Vintage Mini Multiblade Knives

[kootenay joe]

I am unable to find a thread dedicated to vintage mini multiblade knives so i am starting this thread. If there is a thread dedicated to these knives please post and maybe threads can be merged.
I have never seen a definition of size limit to be considered a "mini". Some are very small, under one inch closed. More commonly seen with the mini multiblades is a 1 7/8 - 2 1/2". Once over about 2 5/8" i consider it not a true mini, but each of us can choose whatever upper limit seems reasonable.
Here is a 2", 3 thick, 4 blade, sterling handled knife. The hallmarks show "GH" which is the mark registered to "Harrison Bros. & Howson". The other markings show Sheffield and 1904. Harrison Brothers & Howson is confirmed by the tang markings.
The mini multiblades seem to have been popular in the very early 1900's, most having been made by the best cutlery manufacturers in Britain and Germany, e.g. Jos. Rodgers, IXL-Wostenholm and J.A.Henckels.
If you have examples of these little cutlery marvels, please show us.
kj

[kootenay joe]

Perhaps a picture showing comparison for size reference. Here it is with my friend, "Tex Camper".
kj

[knife7knut]

Here are a few.

[kootenay joe]

Ray, are the squares inches ?
Can you show the blades on one or two of them ? There is a big fat one in the middle, about 6-7 thick ?
kj

[knife7knut]

Yes Roland those are 1"(25.4mm)squares. Here are two of them. The first pics are of the one you requested and the other is the one at the top of the first pic. Unfortunately they are not in the best of shape.Also tossed in a couple of the fancy backs on the others.

[kootenay joe]

Quote: "Unfortunately they are not in the best of shape"
This is true for the majority of the mini multiblades i have seen. It is surprising but people actually carried and used these and re-sharpened the blades more than once. Except for pearl handles these tiny knives are solidly built, more like a tiny tank than a delicate curio.
I date most of these to early 1900's. I wonder if there was a 20 yr or so, 'fad' of carrying & using tiny knives ? Would be neat to learn some of the background history that lead to their popularity.
kj

[knife7knut]

Adolph Kastor and his brother Nathan made a lot of this pattern.I have a couple marked W.H.Morley but I think they were made by Kastor who made an incredible number of patterns and stampings.

[kootenay joe]

Vintage Henckels catalog pages show a number of mini multiblades in the 2" closed and smaller size.
Here is a mini multi, just under 2" closed, ivory handles, everything intact and working properly except the very tip of button hook is broken off. Only marked "HALL". I'm sure it is British so either C. Hall 1836-1872, or I. Hall 1795-1830. The extensively worked backsprings supports the 1800 dating.
I have previously posted this knife in the ivory forum but it has not been viewed much so i'm posting here as well.
kj

[RobesonsRme.com]

Scattered somewhere in a "Miniature Knives" thread are several discussions and photos of knives that meet Roland's criteria.

There was also a discussion re' some recent Ebay sales of miniatures that garnered high dollar amounts. I don't know where that is.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=39880

Charlie Noyes

[kootenay joe]

There was also a thread showing mostly single blade minis some of which sold on ebay for ridiculously high selling prices even though they are only trinkets mass produced some place East of here, possibly India.
The thread you link to Charlie is one i have not previously seen. It has a variety of miniature and small knives, fixed blades & folders.
I wanted a thread dedicated to vintage mini multiblades made by recognized cutlery manufacturers.
kj

[RobesonsRme.com]

The thread I referenced does have some nice mini-multiblades in it, including one you posted, but have not, as yet, posted here.

There was a decided difference of opinion re' the origins and values of the Ebay knives to which I referred. They are in a different thread.

Charlie

[knife7knut]

That little ivory handled multi is beautiful Roland!

[Miller Bro's]

Not my knife but this one should qualify.

[espn77]

Surely that fits the definition of "mini"

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

Well, it figures GI Joe would be a knife knut...