Made in America!

With roots dating back to 1853, most folks probably wouldn't recoginze the name Hibbard Spencer Bartlett and Co, or "HSB". Of course, with knife collectors, that's a different story. 

In 1853, Brown, Tuttle Co Hardware opened in Chicago, IL. William Hibbard was just a salesman back then. In just 2 short years, Brown was out, and Hibbard was in; forming Tuttle, Hibbard Co Hardware. 10 years later, the firm had gone through several more changes, including partners. The now named Hibbard, Spencer & Co had survived a fire, and hired a new janitor named AC Bartlett. In 1882, after surviving yet another fire (the historic Chicago fire of 1871), the firm invited that janitor to become the newest partner; to form Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. (Not Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett, as commonly reffered) Over the years, HSB introduced several brand names and trademarks, including OVB (Our Very Best), Rev-O-Noc, and in 1932, True Value (Yes, that True Value). In 1962, HSB was sold to John Cotter and evetually became the True Value Hardware stores that we know today.

Being a hardware store, HSB was not a manufacturer of most items they sold. The knives were contracted out to some of the highest quality outfits of the time, including Camillus, Ulster, Utica and New York Knife Co. This beauty of a knife, like many of their early knives appears to be made by New York Knife Co. NYKC was formed just 2 years before AC Bartlett became partner, and remained in business until 1931. NYKC is widely considered to be one of the highest quality knife makers of the era. 

Here we have a NYKC made, EO Jumbo Jack Knife for HSB. She's a good mid-sized folder, measuring in at approx 3 3/4" OAL closed. The main blade has moderate patina and blemishes and shows signs of use and sharpening, but the beefy spear point still has plenty of blade left. It features a nice long pull nail nick and beautiful swedge grinds on both sides. Excellent spring, with strong snap on open, close and half stop. The mark side sports the Hibbard/Spencer/Bartlett/ (& Co, barely visible) tang stamp. Pile side has the pattern number 2686. The secondary blade is a pen blade which also shows signs of use and sharpening, but still has plenty of life left. The mark side has the same HSB tang stamp with the same faded portion at the bottom. Again, excellent snap on open, close and half stop. The scales are a gorgeous dark wood, with light to moderate pocket wear, which are free from any chips or cracks. From what I can find, they used either ebony or cocobolo on these during this time. Brass pins, spacer and liners. Nickel silver bolsters with light pocket wear and a great, large propeller style sheild. As I'm typing this, I'm seeing 2 spots worthy of noting. There appears to be a couple areas with some slight seperation between the liners and scales. Due to the wood handle material, I would not forsee this becoming a larger issue in the future as it would with synthetic materials. Please see pics

**Note: I am new to knife collecting and selling. All descriptions are to the best of my knowledge and in an attempt to be as honest and forthright as possible in regards to knife condition. I have conducted hours upon hours of research on each individual knife that comes into my possession in an attempt to set a fair price. PLEASE feel free to contact me for more information on this or any other item in my store.

Semper Fi

For Sale By: Dr. Shank-N-Stein

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