Griffon IHC Promotional Knife Pre-1930

[bhughes2172]

Hello!

I've searched the forum for information about this knife. I found an auction page https://bids.aumannauctions.com/auction ... cket-knife from April 2024 with a few details.

Manufactured by Griffon (Germany) and stamped "International Harvester Company of America Incorporated, Chicago U.S.A" with IHC logo on reverse.
3 " long closed, two blades, silver finish with stamped details on each end near the blade hinges.

I'd love to know more about the date of manufacture, materials (an AAPK member mentioned a similar promotional knife may have an aluminum finish?), condition and value. I can provide more detailed photos if that'd be of help or interest to any members.

Thank you!

Brad Hughes
Waterloo, Ontario

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK.

Not sure what you searched for here, but I found 285 posts about “Griffon” search.php?keywords=Griffon&terms=all&a ... bmit=Searc. Several of which contain some of the info you’re seeking.

It’s a nice find but unfortunately those small metal handled knives usually don’t bring much regardless who made them. Your best source of value is typically an advanced search of eBay, sold listings only, for the same or similar items. With collectable knives condition is paramount, so compare the condition of sold items with yours and adjust accordingly.

BTW if you’re planning to sell it, a better market might be to a collector of IH memorabilia, rather than a pocket knife collector. JMO

Ken

[bhughes2172]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for taking time to reply with links to Griffon posts on the Forum. I'd seen many but not all & enjoyed reviewing them. Appreciate the advice on an eBay search as well marketing to an IH collector.

I'd love to figure out where between 1900 and 1930 this knife lands & maybe connect with someone that owns one & knows more about its story.

Thanks again,
Brad

[knife7knut]

Brad: I have what appears to be the identical knife; except for the ad and the tang stamp. The stamp is difficult to read but appears to say, ADV SPEC CO. CHICAGO and under that GERMANY. The advertising says, DENVERS CAFE MOZART. Here are pics. I have never found any info about either the stamp or the company. I have several GRIFFON knives and there is much info on them.

[bhughes2172]

knife7knut, thanks for taking time to reply & appreciate the photos of our matching knives. Can you help with the date of manufacture or materials used? Thank you again.
-Brad

[bhughes2172]

knife7knut, I'd be interested in the photos of your advertising knives you mentioned in an past forum thread, or a referral to your post if you shared them already. Thank you!
-Brad

[AlxW]

Hey Brad,

That’s a cool find with some great history behind it! Here’s what I can share:

Your knife was probably made between the early 1900s and 1930. Griffon was a Solingen, Germany brand, and the “International Harvester Company of America” stamp suggests it’s pre-1936 since they dropped “of America” from the name around that time.

Most knives like this had aluminum or nickel-silver handles (nickel-silver being more common on higher-end ones). The blades were likely carbon steel, which was standard back then.

The value really depends on condition and who’s interested:
If the blades are clean and the markings are clear, it’ll hold more value.IH memorabilia collectors might value it more than knife collectors because of the branding.I’d guess it’s in the $20–$80 range, but checking sold listings on eBay for similar items will give you a better idea.

If you’re looking for more info, definitely connect with knife7knut since he has a similar piece.Posting detailed photos (especially of the stamps) could help others here give you more insight.For Griffon history, books like Goins’ Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings might be worth checking out.

It’s a great little piece with a cool story behind it—hope you learn even more about it!

[bhughes2172]

Hi AlxW,

I appreciate you taking time to share this detailed information!
I had good luck at Worthpoint.com finding other items to compare their condition and sale values.
I found identical knives with different manufacturer marks on the tangs, both Griffon and E.N. Smock & Co.
They sold between $40 and $109 dollars. At a memorabilia auction in Illinois that closed last April, one sold for over $200.
It's clear the history and stories are what make each item truly valuable.

Thank you again!
-Brad

[New_Windsor_NY]

From GOINS 1998 Edition.