Look what I found!

[timgreene48]

I was out to my local gun club for our bi-monthly shoot, when a buddy presented this knife to me. I have never heard of this maker, and could'nt wait to get back to the forum toget some help about its origins and makeup. It is 2 3/8ths closed, and I think the handles are tortiose shell? Real or imitation? All 4 blades have good half stops and snap. All4 blades read Argyle cutlery co. germany. The only info I could dig up was in Levines guide that said the company was in business from 1910-1930. Any other info would surely be appreciated. Thanks, Tim

[trail]

My book shows Argyle Cutlery Co, Germany as being associated with Brown Bros, c. 1910 to 1930. I am guessing that Brown Bros may have imported them as a sideline to their other business of selling pocketknives with their own stamp. For Brown Bros, read David Anthony's book Tidioute. Then read it again, and again. The history of the Tidioute knife makers is complex, convoluted and incestuous. Suffice it to say here that the Browns were associated with the Cases, Champlins, Platts and all the other knife makers of the area. Many of the early brands started as import houses or jobbers and expanded into their own production in the years following the institution of the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 and the Dingley Tariff Act of 1897.

I see those Argyles on ebay regularly, so they are not rare, but they look to be very nice examples of the German cutlery art. I think you got something good there.

Maybe David will chime in and explain the Argyle connection.

[knifegirl888]

Argyle made all sorts of smaller knives. Some of them were cheaply made, but I do have one that seems to be pretty nice. It seems like they produced lots of inexpensive knives, but still had some of quality. Just my opinion, but when I think of Argyle, I kind of think the company might have been the German version of Imperial.

[timgreene48]

Thanks for the quick response. Knifegirl, your congress is very nice. I wish I were capable of posting pics of that quality. This knife, although of lesser quality, seems to be well made. I can find no cracks or gaps (except for a tiny pin crack) in the fit and finish. But it's the tortoise shell that drew me to it. I figured it must be genuine if this knife is as old as it is. I was hoping it would have some value. Anyway, It's a neat little conversation piece. Thanks, again Tim

[knifegirl888]

Tim,

I like the little Argyle's. I was awful with knife pictures, so my fiance, Bret888, got me a scanner. It's an Epson Perfection V30. It's pretty inexpensive & it takes great scans of knives, rain or shine. I just bought a blank artist canvas to place over the knife to block out the light while I am scanning...

Enjoy the little knife,

Kathy