Cattaraugus Cutlery Co. Little Valley N.Y. 1886-1963

[galvanic1882]

Charlie, I think it is Celluloid but can't be certain. I have not seen a Cattaraugus knife with tortoise handles even though they are listed as a handle material in catalogs. My guess is celluloid or some other type of man made material. How they put them together is something I would love to have seen!!

[galvanic1882]

Here are 2 Catt's that have rare tang stamps. The smaller knife has CCC Little Valley NY on it and the larger knife has the standard Cattaraugus stamp but Little Valley is curved. Never seen that before.

[JAMESC41001]

Great knives Mike, where did you find those beauties?

[galvanic1882]

Thanks James,

A friend of mine just looked over the tang stamp on the larger knife and there is another difference in the tang stamp. The name Cattaraugus is missing the first "U" in the name! I have only seen this on one other Cattaraugus knife. It's a switchblade that was made by Flylock. Shows how much I was focused on the curve in the Little Valley that I missed that!

[galvanic1882]

Here is another couple of Catt's. The pearl was part of the Pan Am knives and some consider it one of the best of them. It was not cleaned and still has the Salesman's ink on the back of the main blade. Pictured with an original Cattaraugus stock certificate.

The EO is marked with the pattern number 2039A, I think the A stands for aluminum??

[JAMESC41001]

Wow! The pearl salesman sample is impressive. With the certificate no less! Good stuff. Those unique stamps are interesting. Not going to see many of them around. Nice find

[Jacknifeben]

I have a bunch of Cattaraugus razors but this one is a little different.

[steve99f]

I've this little MOP jack with a broken secondary blade. Main is damaged as well. Received as a gift with some other used up oldies, a Wabash half congress and a Remington pen knife.

[galvanic1882]

Not sure if anyone is aware but the old Cattaraugus Factory burned yesterday morning. I was hoping to get in there one more time later this year but now shes gone, very sad.

[1967redrider]

That's terrible news.

http://www.wkbw.com/news/old-cattaraugu ... burns-down

[galvanic1882]

Here is the link to the story.

http://www.oleantimesherald.com/article ... 17d50.html

[Jacknifeben]

Sad day. Still might be some old stuff in the front? I could send some bail money if they catch you.

[carrmillus]

Old Cattaraugus Cutlery Co. knives are highly collectable and have been for many years. I could not find a specific thread dedicated to their knives here in Knife Lore. I will start off with some knives made by them and if you have any post pictures here. I would also like to see any ephemera or other knife related items made by this company.

Here is a brief history of the company compiled by John Goins:

"C. 1886-1963 Founded by John B.F. champlin and ran by members of the Champlin family during the entire existence of the company. The firm was originally called J.B.F. Champlin, founded in 1880 as a jobbing firm. Tint Champlin joined the firm in 1882, and the name became J.B.F. Champlin & Son.

In 1886, Champlin`s brother-in-laws, the four Case Brothers, W.R., John D., Jean, and Andrew became members of the firm, and the name was changed to the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company. Cattaraugus became a manufacturing concern about 1890, when they purchased the tools and equipment from the defunct Beaver falls cutlery company. Cattaraugus made an excellent quality knife, many patterns are avidly sought by today`s collector.

In the early 1970`s, old parts were used to make completed knives using the old marking."

millerb, I really like the scout with the compass!!,I've got an old 4 line Camillus like that!!...... .............

[Jethro Bodine]

Here is another couple of Catt's. The pearl was part of the Pan Am knives and some consider it one of the best of them. It was not cleaned and still has the Salesman's ink on the back of the main blade. Pictured with an original Cattaraugus stock certificate.

The EO is marked with the pattern number 2039A, I think the A stands for aluminum??

Wow Mike! That pearl might be the best you've posted. Simply incredible.

[JohnR]

Here is a Barlow I picked up recently, has some beautiful bone on it.

[carrmillus]

.......jr, that's a beauty!!!............ .................

[galvanic1882]

Here's my latest Catt, this one does not have Little Valley NY on it. I have about a half dozen of them now with the Little Valley missing. Derek and I think they are some of the oldest Catt's out there. Love the button hook, handles are smooth bone.

[Miller Bro's]

Interesting one, can you post a picture of the tang stamp?

[wlf]

Another terrific find Mike.What's the size?

[galvanic1882]

It's 3 1/4" closed. I'll get a picture of the stamp later today

[galvanic1882]

Here is a shot of the mark on the tang.

[wlf]

Sure looks like an early industry stamp.

[Joshr30]

My only one. It was my Grandfathers. Anyone can feel free to school me on it. Thanks.

[utahbound]

Nice little Catt there Galvanic, love those old tang stamps!

Joshr30,.. Thanks for posting, I've never seen marks like that over a pattern number before!

Anybody have any comments about the wavy lines?

[galvanic1882]

I just picked up these 3 pearl letter openers that Derek and I believe were given out by JBF Champlin at the 1901 Buffalo Pan Am Expo. I have seen them before but was never able to buy one!!