Sterling bolster - Help needed, info, age, value?

[mmmorici]

Purchased this unusual pen knife. Not much to go on so I thought I would check with the experts.

[gsmith7158]

That would indicate that the covers are made from sterling silver. A lot of companies made these skeleton knives for Jewelry firms who would then cover them with decorative materials. It's not uncommon to see no makers mark on them.

[smiling-knife]

The word sterling rather than hallmarks mean not British and stainless steel blades 1920s or later. That's a little more to go on anyway.

[btrwtr]

Beautiful little knife. Oddly enough many very similar knives, nicely engraved and very flat sides, are marked Japan.

[knife7knut]

Definitely a Japanese knife;I have a couple including a letter opener knife. Not sure who made them(possibly Mitsuboshi)but they seem to be pretty well made.

[kootenay joe]

Yes, Japan and nicely made as well. I too have a couple of these. Age i don't know but they are recent, after 1970. Value is low because very few collectors go for smaller pen knives and not many specifically collect the 'generic' Japan knives. 'Generic' to differentiate from Moki, Hiro, Mcusta, and other high end Japan knife makers. On ebay it might sell for $20-$40.
kj

[knife7knut]

Here are a couple:The first is the handle of a letter opener and the second a miniature utility knife.

[kootenay joe]

Nice Ray ! Thank you for again contributing to another thread. You do a great deal to help enlighten all of us AAPK'ers.
kj

[zoogirl]

Oh, do I want any one of these knives!
Anyway, I don’t know about Japanese knives, but I have a few of the little fancys. One of them has the maker’s name inside the bail, of all places. It was made for a jewelry store. It might be worth a look.

[cody6268]

Here are a couple:The first is the handle of a letter opener and the second a miniature utility knife.

Neat how the scissors on that miniature utility knife deploy with the scissors perpendicular to the handle; as opposed to parallel like on most. And it looks like every tool on it is usable; even the can opener. Typically they miniaturize that even on some small knives of the era.

[knife7knut]

Here are a couple:The first is the handle of a letter opener and the second a miniature utility knife.

Neat how the scissors on that miniature utility knife deploy with the scissors perpendicular to the handle; as opposed to parallel like on most. And it looks like every tool on it is usable; even the can opener. Typically they miniaturize that even on some small knives of the era.

Unfortunately the spring on the scissors was broken when I got it.They are still usable but you have to return them manually.