Any info on this Walden equal end pen knife

cbh65beck · Post by **cbh65beck** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 5:47 pm

Hello,
I recently bought this knife but I can't find any info on it in my books. Any input would be aprreciated. It appears to have ivory handles and both blades are tang stamped New York Walden Knife Co. My books only go back to Schrade era knifes. I'm curious as to the time period of this knife as well as whether or not I've been "horn swaggled"

Thanks a lot guys, Bryan #2

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 7:54 pm

I'm pretty sure that it is:

NEW YORK KNIFE CO.
Walden (NY{implied})

In business from c. 1856-1931. It was once the largest knifemaker in the U.S.A. I believe.

However, much more detailed pictures of the stamp would be helpful.

If you paid a good price, and believe the knife to be correct, you might consider an appraisal...
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/links. ... 0questions

Not shilling, just offering an opinion.

Bill

cbh65beck · Post by **cbh65beck** » Sun Nov 06, 2005 10:42 pm

Thanks Bill,
I've added a better photo of the tang. Maybe this will help.
Bryan #2

PA Knives · Post by **PA Knives** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:32 pm

HI!

I just sold a NYK Walden on EBAY and got a very handsome sum for it. Although it was a pearl whittler. This appears to be IVORY? I still think it has a nice value though. Nice find

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 1:55 pm

cbh65beck,

I'm NOT an appraisal expert...just a collector.

That said, I think the scales might be celluloid rather than ivory...only because there is a slight separation at the rear bolster consistent with celluloid shrinkage, and I can't make out the fine grain usually present in ivory. I could certainly be mistaken, as I'm going only from the picture.

No matter what, it is a nice knife.

Bill
P. S.
If you look along the top and bottom edges in this picture...
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... .php?t=430
...you can see a little of what I mentioned.
It is VERY difficult from these pictures, and I could be mistaken...thus the appraisal suggestion, especially if you are going to sell the knife. A professional documentation should carry weight and value.

PA Knives · Post by **PA Knives** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:39 pm

Good eye Bill,

I thought I detected some graining but you made me look a little closer and you very well may be right.

That would make a hugh difference in the pricing I am sure. I don't know that NYK every used Ivory. Sometimes it is better to listen than to speak. I just gotta learn when

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:45 pm

I was thinking a bit more about this ivory subject. I SHOULD have clarified that I am referring to ELEPHANT ivory when I mentioned "grain'...as these could be interior Mammoth ivory (which lacks the exterior coloring, as well as grain) I suppose. However, given the age of this knife, (if correct...and it looks good), I don't think cutlers were working interior mammoth for knifes scales 75+ years ago.
Here is something I borrowed from Bernard Levine's forum showing a comparison between older, yellowed, elephant ivory and faux ivory celluloid.....

cbh65beck · Post by **cbh65beck** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:30 am

Thanks for the input on this. My scanner doesnt do justice on the scale materials. I've taken a closer scan of them if it helps any. I'm pretty sure they're not celuloid but are either bone or true ivory. I took a gamble on buying this one not being really sure of its value, but gave a little less than $100.

Thanks again, Bryan #2

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:31 am

Not bone, I don't believe...no pores.

If you feel sure it is ivory, I believe a vetting by Bernard Levine would help you establish more about the history of your knife, and should help you in selling it. If you are so inclined that is...

Otherwise, it's still a nice knife.

JMO.

Bill

EDITED:
For clarity.