All About Pocket Knives

I can't pin down a date range for this 4-3/4" lockback English jack, but Levine's claims Thomaston Ct. was called Plymouth Hollow until 1875.

Steve, Miller Bros. ? Any thoughts ? Could this be pre-1876 ?

Fran

That looks like a real nice knife, Fran! Pankiewicz implies Northfield Cutlery bought them out, in Plymouth, in 1865. It's not clear what happened after that.
Is the handle wood, or horn?

The handle is wood Charlie.

Fran

Fran,
Nice knife! The knife dates from 1849-1875. After 1875 they were stamped Thomaston Ct., as they changed the name of the town. They finally closed down around 1895. So your knife is an oldie, you are very lucky to have it. It apperas to have ebony handles and looks to be in great condition.



M.B.

Thank's for the info M.B.

Yes, it's a nice one, clean ( not cleaned ), and tight.

I made a mistake on the length though, it's 4-1/2'' closed.

You know how we pruners are.

Fran

A beautiful and rare knife to be sure!The nail mark almost looks French.I have two American Knife Co.Plymouth knives in my collection.One is a single blade jack that is not in great condition but is scary sharp(ask me how I know;my blood covered keyboard tells me so! ).The other is a 2 blade with the second blade being a 4"folding brass ruler with a patent date of 1868 on it.Both have the same match striker style nail mark.

In the interest of accuracy......

Upnorth's question prompted me to take a more careful look at this, with a 10x loupe.

The handles are horn.

Thanks Charlie !

Fran

Gotta keep you on your toes!
I think that horn may have been used quite a bit in those old days.