Found while metal detecting, any ideas ?

[Garrett41]

I found this knife metal detecting a homesite from the early 20’s. Was wanting some help to try and identify it. The blades are absolutely gone and will probably never open up again. The handles still look really nice. I know that it will just be a guess, because of the shape it’s in.

[Garrett41]

After a little bit of electrolysis

[Gunsil]

This one will not be possible to get positive ID on. The shield on the handle was used by many, many companies. I have had a PAL brand knife with that imitation horn celluloid handle scales but other companies used that also. When they are in that shape one cannot tell who made them unless the shield has the maker's name on it.

Oh yeah, welcome to the site! What kind of detector do you have? Are you on T-net? I guess you must be in a warmer climate, over two feet of snow on the ground here, no detecting for a while!

[OLDE CUTLER]

I agree, without being able to see a tang stamp or other markings on the blades, there will be only guesses as to who made it.

[Garrett41]

I use a Nokta Makro simplex. I live in Eastern Ky, we have had some snow, but the weather here is up and down. Almost 45 degrees today, supposed to be 0 this weekend. I will probably be done detecting for awhile.

On the knife, is there a way to tell what the handles are made of ?

[XX Case XX]

Handles could be celluloid. If not, definitely some type of synthetic material.

___________
Mike

[Gunsil]

Handle is imitation horn celluloid like I stated in first reply. Celluloid was popular for knife handles from the 1880s to the early 1960s and came in many colors and patterns. You're lucky to be where you can hunt longer into the winter!! Of course your summers may be harder to hunt in than up here in NY state. I currently us a Nox 800, have several detectors, been at it for fifty years, great fun hobby!! I think your knife dates from the 1930s-1950s. Good luck and Happy hunting!!

[doglegg]

All the knives I found detecting had the same tang stamp as yours. RUST. Was never able to salvage one.