Miller Bros. 1863-1926
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
I found another one of these, in much better shape, here on AAPK but here's another.
7 inches closed. Patent 1,065,863 6/24/1913 Carter, Issac T., of Emmitsburg, IA - Skinning Knife (Gut Hook in Notched Handle with Hooked Blade), (made by Miller Brothers "Carter Skinning Knife")
Mine says "patent applied for" so maybe a little earlier. The Carter Skinning Knife etch is barely there. There's a nail nick for the gut hook, which is rounded near the end to not poke into entrails and sharp down in the notch.
7 inches closed. Patent 1,065,863 6/24/1913 Carter, Issac T., of Emmitsburg, IA - Skinning Knife (Gut Hook in Notched Handle with Hooked Blade), (made by Miller Brothers "Carter Skinning Knife")
Mine says "patent applied for" so maybe a little earlier. The Carter Skinning Knife etch is barely there. There's a nail nick for the gut hook, which is rounded near the end to not poke into entrails and sharp down in the notch.
Mike Robuck
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Beautiful knife and great score Mike ...
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Lee
Lee
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks Mike. This is the first i have heard of "Carter's" gut hook. I had thought the gut hook was a more recent innovation.
And attaching the hook blade to the cap (aka rear bolster) is totally unique.
Neat, something totally new to me to start my day.
kj
And attaching the hook blade to the cap (aka rear bolster) is totally unique.
Neat, something totally new to me to start my day.
kj
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks Lee and Roland. Roland, not sure how functional the gut hook is. It seems like a good idea, but then again I don't think Miller made this pattern for very long.
Mike Robuck
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Mike nice knife. Rare find.
Harold
Harold
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks Joe and Harold. It is a beast.
Mike Robuck
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Nice one Mike
Even in unused condition these have surprisingly weak snap the backspring is very narrow, you would think a 7" knife would have strong snap. Then again with such a sharp long blade they were probably afraid the user would take off a finger accidentally!
Even in unused condition these have surprisingly weak snap the backspring is very narrow, you would think a 7" knife would have strong snap. Then again with such a sharp long blade they were probably afraid the user would take off a finger accidentally!
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks Dimitri. Do you have any idea now long MB made them?
Mike Robuck
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
I have no documentation on how long they were made, but judging from how many I have see in the last twenty years it could not have been more than a year or two.
With the one you just posted that makes around fifteen I have seen in collections and online or knife shows.
With the one you just posted that makes around fifteen I have seen in collections and online or knife shows.
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks for the info and for the pic!
Mike Robuck
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
Author: "Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible Knives"
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
This was my grandfather's. I got it after he had passed so have no info on it. What do you think, real MB? What is the curved tool, a pipe scraper?
Tom
Tom
T.J.
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Yes it is a Miller Bros. 'skeleton' knife. M.B. made the knife but did not put any covers(handles) over the liners. This 'skeleton' was then sent to a jewelry business to put on whatever handle pieces they wanted.
The pattern is a "lobster knife": spring runs along center line of handle so there can be blade(s)on top & bottom.
The long slender 'blade' is a combination manicure/pipe scraper or just pipe scraper depending whether the inside surface has file teeth.
Miller Bros. made a lot of skeleton knives, various patterns.
kj
The pattern is a "lobster knife": spring runs along center line of handle so there can be blade(s)on top & bottom.
The long slender 'blade' is a combination manicure/pipe scraper or just pipe scraper depending whether the inside surface has file teeth.
Miller Bros. made a lot of skeleton knives, various patterns.
kj
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Very nice S2K ... no doubt old Miller Bros Gentleman’s Fob Knife - sometimes worn on gold chain on the vest... the long tool is a manicure tool - that is what it was designed for - whether some used it for cleaning their tobacco pipes was only based on their own discretion - it was not designed nor marketed as a pipe cleaner ... and some adventurous souls (and I smile while writing this) cleaned their nails, cleaned their pipes and picked nuts out of their shells with the same tool
Great sentimental knife to have from your grandfather ... and Miller Bros was a desirable old knife maker!!
Great sentimental knife to have from your grandfather ... and Miller Bros was a desirable old knife maker!!
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Lee
Lee
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Welcome S2K. Great family heirloom.
Late, but love that gut hook knife Mike R.
Late, but love that gut hook knife Mike R.
I buy roosters combs and farmers..........................................................jack knives [/b]
GEC SFOs and others at LICK CREEK CUTLERY- www.allaboutpocketknives.com/wlf
May the Father and Son bless
Lyle
GEC SFOs and others at LICK CREEK CUTLERY- www.allaboutpocketknives.com/wlf
May the Father and Son bless
Lyle
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Thanks for all the info and encouragement folks. From the looks of the scratched up main blade I don't believe my gramps was big on knife care. I don't recall him carrying a pocket knife, so wonder if he inherited it himself. Like so many things with our ancestors it's unfortunately lost to the ages.
Tom
Tom
T.J.
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
I've been looking for a nice condition Miller Bros large rope knife for several years and finally found one. It is in pretty high condition, not buffed, some age staining, full blade with what appears to be original edge. The bone is very nice with what appears to be a heavy stain.
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
JohnR, you stumbled into the cherry orchard. Your picking some knice ones. Love the handles .
Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
Nice score John ....
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Lee
Lee
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
John, beautiful old Miller Bros rope knife.
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Re: Miller Bros. 1863-1926
I say outstanding knife, amazing find. Inside liners look new. It is the best Rope knife i have ever seen. It is over 100 yrs old for sure.
In "Pocket Knives of U.S. Military", Mike Silvey shows a few Miller Bros rope knives. The older ones are larger at 4 3/4" which i think is the knife shown above. The later WW I Miller Bros. Rope knives were smaller at 4 1/8".
kj
In "Pocket Knives of U.S. Military", Mike Silvey shows a few Miller Bros rope knives. The older ones are larger at 4 3/4" which i think is the knife shown above. The later WW I Miller Bros. Rope knives were smaller at 4 1/8".
kj