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Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:44 pm
by Garnan
My research on this site and the Phoenix historical sites lead me to believe that these knives were made by the subject company between 1880 and 1892. However, they are both stamped C.C. Knife Co., Phoenix, N.Y. not Central City. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Am I correct or was there another company in Phoenix?
Thank you in advance for your assistance
Central City Knives.JPG

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:53 pm
by jonet143
welcome to the site, according to goins, you are correct. c.c. kniofe co. and central city knife co., phoenix, n.y. were stamps used by the cutlery. later (1892) became phoenix knife company.

great little knives.

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:08 pm
by Garnan
Thanks Jonet143.
My Grandfather gave my father these some time in the 1930's. As you noted they are small and it seems unlikley they would be carried daily by a laborer, maybe an office person? Does any one have any thoughts on use. Would a lady carry the one with the button hook?
Thanks again for any info.
Gary

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:02 pm
by Ringmaster
Hi Gary, welcome to AAPK

My first guess would be quill knives. At any rate, given their small size, it would be a vest-pocket knife. A lady could certainly carry either knife in her handbag, or use them in her sewing box, too.

Whatever the case, they're a couple of fine examples !

That's just a guess, of course.
JR

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:06 pm
by galvanic1882
I would say that your knives are Quill knives used to sharpen quill pens. It is not unusual to see a button or glove hook with the quill blade. Might have been in a lady's sewing box. Also ina desk for sharpening the quills. They are neet little knives for sure.

I have an old billhead from Phoenix Knife Co dated July 3 1896 that has on the top Organized Central City Co 1880 and under that Phoenix Knife Co 1892. The officers are listed as J. A. Foster President, Geo H Chatillon Treasurer and Louis A Tranberg Secretary. The office & Salesroom is listed as 85 to 93 Cliff St New York. The factory is listed as being in Phoenix NY

I also have a billhead for Foster Bros & Chatillon dated March 25, 1910 that has the same Office address as the Phoenix Knife Co. The officers of this company are as listed, J. A. Foster President, R. F. Chatillon Vice President with the other officers being all Foster's.

Knive marked Foster Bros & Chatillon are rare just like Central City knives. The was an English Jack lockback that was marked that way on ebay last week that sold for 175.00.

I have attached a few pictures, one is a JBF Champlin quill knife of the same era that has a button or glove hook another is a Central City knife box a Phoenix Knife & Box. The picture of the jacks has the Foster Bros & Chattillon knife in the group. It is the heavy ebony handled one third from the left.

I have posted these pictures before so some of you have seen them but thought they would help in this thread.

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:52 pm
by Garnan
Thank you!
This is extremely informative. I did not really think far enough back to relate how a quil pen was actually sharpened?

My research as follows is from the Phoenix historical society written about 1893. I quote, "The Phoenix Knife Co. was originally organized in 1880 as the Central City Knife Co. with these officers: C.W. Avery, president; B.G. Clapp, vice-president; J.I. Van Doren, secretary; A.W. Hawks, treasurer." "Business was carried on across the river until 1887, when J.I. Van Doren erected the present plant." In 1892 the organization of the Phoenix Knife Co. was effected with H.C. Breed, president; H.A. Dygert, vice-president; J.I. Van Doren, secretary and Edmund Merry, treasure." "As many as 100 hands have been employed." "The present(1893?) officers are A.E. Russ, pres.; S.B. Babcock,VP; J.C. Hutchenson, T; A.D. Merry, Sec."

It looks like Van Doen was also involved with the Phoneix Electric Light Co. and the Phoenix Water Co. during this this time period. However, it appears with gavanic1882's stationary, everything changed when the company moved it's headquarters to NYC. Must be Phoenix was so nice, no one wanted to leave?

Does anyone know what course I should take to find a value range for my Quill Knives?
Thanks again,
Gary

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:44 pm
by orvet
Garnan wrote: Does anyone know what course I should take to find a value range for my Quill Knives?
Thanks again,
Gary
Any knife is worth as much or as little as someone is willing to pay for it.

Are you considering selling it or need a value for insurance purposes?
Perhaps the best way is to have them appraised.
One of the best known people in this field is Bernard Levine.
http://www.knife-expert.com/

If you just want a general idea of their value, perhaps one of our members knows something about them.

Welcome to AAPK!

Dale

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 2:17 pm
by celluloidheros
Hello, assuming your knives are Clearly marked CC Knife Co and that the handles are Genuine Tortoise shell with no cracks or chips, The blades walk and talk. I would estimate the value around 150-200. That is the price they would sell for on Ebay on an average day.

Just me 2 cents.

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:42 pm
by PA Knives
This is a ladies knife, the hook is used to pull on gloves worn by the victorian ladies during that time. The blade was general purpose and was used as a quill knife as has been stated and for other lady like needs. Hope this helps

Re: Central City Knife Co.

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:22 pm
by Garnan
Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

I have completely changed my thinking about these knives. I feel that they were not from my grandfather but family research leads me to believe they are the only possesion my family has left from my grandmother. I will probably now use Mr. Levine's services down the road for insurance valuation.

Thanks again for everyones assistance!
Gary