Empire Knife Company

[gsmith7158]

I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

[knifeaholic]

A couple of my recent finds.

[knifeaholic]

Two pearl sleeveboard whittlers - different sizes.

[knifeaholic]

One more jack.

[gsmith7158]

Very nice Steve! I love that lock back and the pearl whittlers!

[FRJ]

Beautiful old Empires, guys. Love to see them in spite of having considerable heartburn from the fact that they aren't mine.

I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

Empire Knife Co. 1856-1930

Greg, Beardsley and Alvord, owners of Empire Knife Co., bought a building in W. Winsted in 1878. Stamp undoubtedly used there but also built another factory in a different location in 1886. Hard to say when they did or didn't use the stamp.
I have a W. Winsted stamp too, some where.

[gsmith7158]

Beautiful old Empires, guys. Love to see them in spite of having considerable heartburn from the fact that they aren't mine.

I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

Empire Knife Co. 1856-1930

Greg, Beardsley and Alvord, owners of Empire Knife Co., bought a building in W. Winsted in 1878. Stamp undoubtedly used there but also built another factory in a different location in 1886. Hard to say when they did or didn't use the stamp.
I have a W. Winsted stamp too, some where.

Joe, some are marked with Empire Knife Co. and others simply Empire. To bad there is not more documentation on these great knives. I don't suppose you have any of the originals with the French guys name on them do you?

[FRJ]

I don't suppose you have any of the originals with the French guys name on them do you?

Thompson and Gascoigne ---- Oh, wouldn't that be a find.
No I don't Greg, but there must be some of those knives laying around somewhere. They were in W. Winsted too. 1852-1854.
Be sure and let me know when you find one!

[FRJ]

Here's a Boys Knife. 2 7/8".

[americanedgetech]

This is wonderful! Just the simple fact that you fellas share the knives, and the information about them is so very special because a person like myself would never in a lifetime experience how awesome these old knives are.

What I mean is that even modern day US coins will not be around in 50 years. They decompose. Modern cars will not last 1/2 that long but these old knives that are closing in on 200 years are just amazing.
I was just admiring an old German Anchor knife that most likely hasn't been sharpened in 50-60 years, and it'll still split a hair. Just amazing...

[gsmith7158]

Here's a new one for me that I picked up from Barry Wolder. A tiny split spring whittler at just 2 5/8 closed but just look at the workmanship on this thing and of course that fabulous jigged bone that Empire is famous for.

[FRJ]

That's a beauty, Greg. Nice little wedge liner.

[gsmith7158]

Thanks Joe!

[gsmith7158]

I just picked up this little pearl gents knife with an extra long file blade and still has a little etch on the master.

[gsmith7158]

Here is a pair I just picked up. An Ebony Jack and a Pearl pen knife.

[Miller Bro's]

Very nice collection Greg

Here's one I picked up, the blade is etched Empire Knife Co. hard to see but there.

[gsmith7158]

Dimitri I have never seen one of those fruit knives with a smooth handle like that. The one I have is like the two or three others I have seen.

[Miller Bro's]

I am pretty sure they made several designs, the handles on yours were made to match the pattern knife, fork, spoons,etc. a woman would buy for the home. These were never made to be carried on a person like a pocket knife for obvious reasons, rather sold to be used in a wealthy home as part of the table ware. Yours came from a more expensive set, mine was probably the cheapest one they offered, all I have seen so far were all silver plated.

The one I have shown above had the same etch you have shown on yours, thanks for showing it

[gsmith7158]

I am pretty sure they made several designs, the handles on yours were made to match the pattern knife, fork, spoons,etc. a woman would buy for the home. These were never made to be carried on a person like a pocket knife for obvious reasons, rather sold to be used in a wealthy home as part of the table ware. Your came from a more expensive set, mine was probably the cheapest one they offered, all I have seen so far were all silver plated.

The one I have shown above had the same etch you have shown on yours, thanks for showing it

Wow! I was not aware that those were part of a dinner set. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for one of those. Thanks for that info.

[FRJ]

Very nice knives, Greg and Dimitri.

[bestgear]

Some great old knives from a great old company.....here's a few of mine both for sale and coming soon!

[gsmith7158]

Very nice knives, Greg and Dimitri.

Thanks Joe! Even though that Ebony Jack has been well used I still just marvel at the immaculate half stops and unrivalled walk and talk on these Empires. They just don't make them like this anymore.

Some great old knives from a great old company.....here's a few of mine both for sale and coming soon!

Tom those are all great patterns. They won't last long. If I didn't already have each of those I would be reserving them.

[bestgear]

Thanks Greg. I decided earlier this month to sell my unofficial Scouts because I just wasn't enjoying them as much as my official Scouts and this gives someone else an opportunity to add to their collection or EDC pile. I've got about 60 of these knives that I'm working on getting ready for the New Year.

[gsmith7158]

Well I haven't been able to find any good Empire knives of late to add to my collection but I thought this was kind of interesting and it was cheap so I got it to complement my collection. It appears that Empire may have used this company to provide their grinding wheels.

https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-us/our-history

[gsmith7158]

The current State of the Empire!