US Navy issue Wostenholm

[drsung]

Hi. I found this knife in an old tool chest I purchased. I am having difficulty finding much information on it. Anyone here know anything about it? From what I have found I think it is pre 1890 since it doesn't have the 'sheffield england' markings. Could it possibly be civil war issue?

[herbva]

Here's what I found in my copy of Michael W. Silvey's "The Complete Book of U.S. Military Pocket Knives From 1800 To The Present". I believe that you are correct that your knife is a Wostenholm I-XL pre-1890 tariff example. There are some subtle differences in the blade shapes shown in the attached pictures, and I'm not sure if any of the blade tangs have the tang stamp that includes the word "Celebrated" that appears clearly on your knife. I hope this helps.

[drsung]

Thank you for checking your reference book. It is pretty interesting that none of your examples include the exact tang stamp!