Robeson pen knife with key

The first Robeson knives were imported by Millard Robeson from England and Germany exclusively. This continued from 1979 until 1896 when Robeson began manufacturing knives in the United States. Since inception, the company has gone through several reorganizations & eventually ended up as a Queen Cutlery brand.
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edge213
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Robeson pen knife with key

Post by edge213 »

Tang stamp:
ROBESON
Shuredge
ROCHESTER
pile side tang:
STAINLESS
STEEL

Pat. May 13, 1924 is on the bail

on the inside of the key is: The Rapid Electrotype Co. Cincinnati
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by Miller Bro's »

Very nice, I like unusual stuff like that ::tu::
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by djknife13 »

Wow, that's neat. ___Dave
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

Nice knife.

These knives were made for the gentleman that utilized a post office box to receive their mail.

The key blanks were to fit the Yale locks which were present on most PO boxes, but they made arrangements for those who did not have Yale locks.

The knives came in nickel and gold or brass finish and there was more than one style of machining done on the handles.

I bought these two off Ebay. They came is a small shipping box and both were in little Robeson flannel pouches.

I don't think I've ever seen one with that patent date, though. That's new info for me.

The knives did have a pattern number, but I've only seen one with it.

539773. Apparently, they counted the key blank as a blade.

Charlie Noyes
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by edge213 »

Charlie, thanks for posting.
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by FRJ »

Here's a little pen knife with key. 2 13/16" closed.
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

Nice one and the long pulls indicate an earlier knife.

You have any idea what the spool with its contents represents?

It could be sewing thread or possibly something much more substantial.

Charlie
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by FRJ »

Thank you, Charlie.
I was hoping the long pulls would make it an earlier knife.
The little "spool" is nicely fashioned. I don't know what it represents. Sure wish I did.
The little bail is stamped; PAT. MAY 13, 1924. Very crisp stamp.
Nothing on the key and no pattern number.
Thanks for looking.
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

I find it very interesting that the vast majority of these never had their keys cut to fit a lock.

And that goes for the inexpensive/give-a-way folding automobile keys made by Colonial or Imperial, etc.

Charlie
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by FRJ »

Interesting indeed.
I don't know these knives first hand but it is odd that the manufacturer thought there was a market for these key knives
but the consumer, having bought the knife, never took advantage of the key.
I think folks just enjoyed the novelty of the knife.
I like mine.
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Re: Robeson pen knife with key

Post by joefm »

here are a few pics of mine.... i dont know much about this knife. im trying to sell it and a few more Robesons i have together in a lot! im not sure about prices so if anyone can help i would really appreciate it? thanks joe 304-939-3258
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