Am done, had it and have not a clue on the value or even just a web site that is connected to the makers. I am not a Knife collector (I prefer unicorns, dragons and so forth) I do believe in Knife rights, as like for any other weapon.
I am unable to locate "A.W. Wadsworth & Son from Germany website and or value of one of their pen knives. To guessimate the total of Internet web sites, links, hours spent hunting for my answer it could be up around 18 to 20 months. So, am on bending knee and begging for help, please.
thank you.
Germany Pen Knife
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El Lobo
- Gold Tier
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- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
According to Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings.....
The mark should read A.W. Wadsworth & SONS (Plural).
If that is the marking, it was used by Adolph Kastor (A. Kastor & Brothers) on their import brands from Germany/Austria between 1905-1936. On some knives, XLNT may be on the back of the main blade. Through changes and acquisitions, A. Kastor & Brothers became Camillus Cutlery Company, still in business of course.
That mark is also listed in Bernard Levine's Guide as being used from 1905-1922, so there is a little gray area about the timeframe.
The value would depend greatly on the handle material, and the overall condition of the knife. The value drops rapidly as the knife falls from mint to, say, good condition. You can have it professionally appraised, for a fee, here.....
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/appr-k.htm
Or, maybe someone else will be able to add some more information.
Hope that helps,
Bill
The mark should read A.W. Wadsworth & SONS (Plural).
If that is the marking, it was used by Adolph Kastor (A. Kastor & Brothers) on their import brands from Germany/Austria between 1905-1936. On some knives, XLNT may be on the back of the main blade. Through changes and acquisitions, A. Kastor & Brothers became Camillus Cutlery Company, still in business of course.
That mark is also listed in Bernard Levine's Guide as being used from 1905-1922, so there is a little gray area about the timeframe.
The value would depend greatly on the handle material, and the overall condition of the knife. The value drops rapidly as the knife falls from mint to, say, good condition. You can have it professionally appraised, for a fee, here.....
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/appr-k.htm
Or, maybe someone else will be able to add some more information.
Hope that helps,
Bill
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not a clue
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- Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 2:32 am
Thanks
El Lobo,
As soon as I post this thank you, I will visit the link that you sugested. There is no XLNT on any of the blades & am sorry to sound ungreatful for your help but there is no S at the end of the word SON on any of the four blades. The condition is hard for me to judge, it's not mint, nor is it junk and it appears to have not been sharpened. I thank you greatly for the info that you have posted.(and for letting me, get off my britled old bent knee.Ha,Ha,Ha)
As soon as I post this thank you, I will visit the link that you sugested. There is no XLNT on any of the blades & am sorry to sound ungreatful for your help but there is no S at the end of the word SON on any of the four blades. The condition is hard for me to judge, it's not mint, nor is it junk and it appears to have not been sharpened. I thank you greatly for the info that you have posted.(and for letting me, get off my britled old bent knee.Ha,Ha,Ha)
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El Lobo
- Gold Tier
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- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:47 pm
- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
Ok not a clue,
Good luck with the knife, whatever you decide....
I will say there are a couple possibilities about the knife.....
1. The S in SON(S) has just worn off over time.
2. The knife is a mistake that got out somehow.
3. The knife you have is counterfeit, put together or altered by someone to fool folks. Only you know the history of the knife, unless you just acquired it. If you think you may want to sell it, Mr. Levine is quite an authority on cutlery, and can probably flesh it out for a fair fee.
If it has 4 blades, it most likely wouldn't be considered a PEN knife, although one of the blades might be a PEN blade. The key might be...does it have a special purpose blade, like a spey or a punch? If not, then it is quite likely of another pattern....MAYBE a Congress pattern (2 pen blades and 2 sheepsfoot blades). Or, maybe not.....
A good picture would help a bunch. I know Mr. Levine will want pictures....or the knife. Otherwise, it's a lot of GUESSWORK...
Again, good luck.
Bill
Good luck with the knife, whatever you decide....
I will say there are a couple possibilities about the knife.....
1. The S in SON(S) has just worn off over time.
2. The knife is a mistake that got out somehow.
3. The knife you have is counterfeit, put together or altered by someone to fool folks. Only you know the history of the knife, unless you just acquired it. If you think you may want to sell it, Mr. Levine is quite an authority on cutlery, and can probably flesh it out for a fair fee.
If it has 4 blades, it most likely wouldn't be considered a PEN knife, although one of the blades might be a PEN blade. The key might be...does it have a special purpose blade, like a spey or a punch? If not, then it is quite likely of another pattern....MAYBE a Congress pattern (2 pen blades and 2 sheepsfoot blades). Or, maybe not.....
A good picture would help a bunch. I know Mr. Levine will want pictures....or the knife. Otherwise, it's a lot of GUESSWORK...
Again, good luck.
Bill
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not a clue
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AAA battery
Bill,
(I would jump at the chance to communicate with Mr. Levine, but my ssi/ssd leave me to really pick what to buy & what to go without, "NO" this is not a feel sorry for or give me a hand out plea. I really can not afford him even that he is very extremely reasonable)
It is up to you if you want to continue communication/aiding me. (There will not be a temper-tantrum, am old but not into my second childhood,yet ) I have some other info that I have discovered and have taken 10-12 pictures, I can e-mail you or post here (except all the pictures, maybe one) The four blades are not taller than a Triple "A" Battery(AAA) and one is called a Fingernail Cleaner/File, has a Pearl cover, is 2 and 3/4 inches closed. I agree, the S could of worn off, but from all four blades? The knife is in need of a good cleaning and mantentance, the blades still "snap".
Thanks for putting up with me.
Shirley
(I would jump at the chance to communicate with Mr. Levine, but my ssi/ssd leave me to really pick what to buy & what to go without, "NO" this is not a feel sorry for or give me a hand out plea. I really can not afford him even that he is very extremely reasonable)
It is up to you if you want to continue communication/aiding me. (There will not be a temper-tantrum, am old but not into my second childhood,yet
) I have some other info that I have discovered and have taken 10-12 pictures, I can e-mail you or post here (except all the pictures, maybe one) The four blades are not taller than a Triple "A" Battery(AAA) and one is called a Fingernail Cleaner/File, has a Pearl cover, is 2 and 3/4 inches closed. I agree, the S could of worn off, but from all four blades? The knife is in need of a good cleaning and mantentance, the blades still "snap".Thanks for putting up with me.
Shirley
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El Lobo
- Gold Tier
- Posts: 3036
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:47 pm
- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
OK Shirley,
I'm by no means an expert, but I enjoy the research and learning about different brands. I've carried/used/collected knives for a little over 40 years and I'm still learning...
Since others here may also be of help, please try to post a couple of pictures here. One with all blades open so we can see the shapes/locations.....and one of the markings, to start.
There is NO historical listing for A. W. Wadsworth & SON (NOT plural) in any research material I own.....or on the internet, as you have found. So that is the MOST curious part.
I **WOULD NOT** clean the knife.
Your turn....
Bill
I'm by no means an expert, but I enjoy the research and learning about different brands. I've carried/used/collected knives for a little over 40 years and I'm still learning...
Since others here may also be of help, please try to post a couple of pictures here. One with all blades open so we can see the shapes/locations.....and one of the markings, to start.
There is NO historical listing for A. W. Wadsworth & SON (NOT plural) in any research material I own.....or on the internet, as you have found. So that is the MOST curious part.
I **WOULD NOT** clean the knife.
Your turn....
Bill
: -
not a clue
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 2:32 am
Picture info
Hey Bill, it's 
long but I think it'll be intresting.
I will post some pictures, as soon as I learn how, I tried one yesterday and since I can't find it, I did it wrong. Here is all the info that I have been able to find:
Pen knife: This old design was originated to sharpen quill pens, usually the smallest blade in a multi blade pocket knife, also considered a lightweight gentleman's knife.
Vintage Knife
2 3/4 inches Closed
5 1/4 fully open from tip to tip of each ends longest blade
A.W. Wadsworth & Son
Germany
3rd most collected knife
4 Blades---3Pen Blades 1Finger Nail Cleaner/File
And all blades snap with each step to open and close
Pearl Cover
Silver Bolster
No engraving on the shield just an outer dimple
As I mentioned it is in need of a good cleaning, the only thing that I dared TO DO was wipe with slight pressure using a soft cloth. Also TO ME (and keep in mind, that I know more about a plastic knife) the blades
appear to Have Not been sharpened and the very tips not all, look as if they need to be straigthen, another item that I refuse to handle.
Am off too learn how to post a few pictures, yes I am a novice.
shirley
long but I think it'll be intresting.I will post some pictures, as soon as I learn how, I tried one yesterday and since I can't find it, I did it wrong. Here is all the info that I have been able to find:
Pen knife: This old design was originated to sharpen quill pens, usually the smallest blade in a multi blade pocket knife, also considered a lightweight gentleman's knife.
Vintage Knife
2 3/4 inches Closed
5 1/4 fully open from tip to tip of each ends longest blade
A.W. Wadsworth & Son
Germany
3rd most collected knife
4 Blades---3Pen Blades 1Finger Nail Cleaner/File
And all blades snap with each step to open and close
Pearl Cover
Silver Bolster
No engraving on the shield just an outer dimple
As I mentioned it is in need of a good cleaning, the only thing that I dared TO DO was wipe with slight pressure using a soft cloth. Also TO ME (and keep in mind, that I know more about a plastic knife) the blades
appear to Have Not been sharpened and the very tips not all, look as if they need to be straigthen, another item that I refuse to handle.
Am off too learn how to post a few pictures, yes I am
a novice.shirley
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El Lobo
- Gold Tier
- Posts: 3036
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:47 pm
- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
Shirley,
It sounds as though you have what is called a Senator pattern Pen knife. USUALLY 1 blade is slightly bigger than the other 2, then there is the nail file/cleaner. But who knows what may have been done back then. Are there bolsters at each end? Are they equal in size? Are they short (this is known as "Tipped")? Do 2 blades come out of each end? Any out of the back (Lobster) like a Swiss Army knife? If the blades snap at 1/2 "mast" as well as open and closed, this is known as a half stop. Did you say the tips were bent.....as in damaged? That is too bad.
That will keep you busy......
You know if you go to the top of the page....in the heading....and click on Resources, then knife definitions, Bryan has put together a nice encyclopedia about pocket knife information. It is good reading. If you keep this up, you're going to become addicted like the rest of us...
Anyway, hope we get to see the pictures. Good luck.
Bill
It sounds as though you have what is called a Senator pattern Pen knife. USUALLY 1 blade is slightly bigger than the other 2, then there is the nail file/cleaner. But who knows what may have been done back then. Are there bolsters at each end? Are they equal in size? Are they short (this is known as "Tipped")? Do 2 blades come out of each end? Any out of the back (Lobster) like a Swiss Army knife? If the blades snap at 1/2 "mast" as well as open and closed, this is known as a half stop. Did you say the tips were bent.....as in damaged? That is too bad.
That will keep you busy......
You know if you go to the top of the page....in the heading....and click on Resources, then knife definitions, Bryan has put together a nice encyclopedia about pocket knife information. It is good reading. If you keep this up, you're going to become addicted like the rest of us...
Anyway, hope we get to see the pictures. Good luck.
Bill
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not a clue
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 2:32 am
keep me busy????
Bill,
I'm working on a webpage for the pictures to be viewed, Please keep your fingers crossed for launch today (a little more complicated then making things on/with the computer for the grandkids or selling on ebay )
I some time ago, came across a picture of a knife that was completely in dissection with definitions, but as for "What Are They Talking About" Encyclopedia, Bryan's "IS" by far the best that I have viewed (okay use).
To answer your ?s, two blades at each end, the blade with the file is the same length at the other end one blade is 1/4 inch longer. (No lobster blades,items or trinkets ) Yes there is a bolster at each end, there's even a cut center, all 4 blades snap at open, close and 1/2 mast. The tip bending as I typed of, is hard to explain but I'm sure(ok 99.99% sure) if a experience knife fixer were to take on the challenge, there would be no evidence of the bending. Having to handle the knife, I now am not sure if they were not sharpened at one time. But please those whom read this remember that I really have "not a clue" on this subject.
Answering your ?s, Bill, didn't keep me busy, searching for a way to show the pictures has kept me busy and then, when I found out that I have a few free webpages (for one reason or another) that I could use, really has kept me busy.
fingers crossed
shirley
I'm working on a webpage for the pictures to be viewed, Please keep your fingers crossed for launch today (a little more complicated then making things on/with the computer for the grandkids or selling on ebay )
I some time ago, came across a picture of a knife that was completely in dissection with definitions, but as for "What Are They Talking About" Encyclopedia, Bryan's "IS" by far the best that I have viewed (okay use).
To answer your ?s, two blades at each end, the blade with the file is the same length at the other end one blade is 1/4 inch longer. (No lobster blades,items or trinkets
) Yes there is a bolster at each end, there's even a cut center, all 4 blades snap at open, close and 1/2 mast. The tip bending as I typed of, is hard to explain but I'm sure(ok 99.99% sure) if a experience knife fixer were to take on the challenge, there would be no evidence of the bending. Having to handle the knife, I now am not sure if they were not sharpened at one time. But please those whom read this remember that I really have "not a clue" on this subject.Answering your ?s, Bill, didn't keep me busy, searching for a way to show the pictures has kept me busy and then, when I found out that I have a few free webpages (for one reason or another) that I could use, really has kept me busy.
fingers crossed
shirley
-
El Lobo
- Gold Tier
- Posts: 3036
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:47 pm
- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
Shirley,
I thought you (and maybe others) would like to see these.....
http://cutlerscove.com/advertising-kniv ... h-shoe.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... gory=43331
They are two examples of knives marked A. W. WADSWORTH & ..........SON!!!!! No S!!!
Maybe this is the earliest, or maybe it is the latest of the markings, when there was just ONE SON in the business. This might explain the difference in time periods between Goins' book and Levine's Guide.
If the blade tips on your knife are not too bad, it's probably worth at least what the first one was going for..... to someone who wants this trademark for a collection.
If the blades on your knife are ALL bent (like someone was prying with them).....it is probably worth closer to the lower price ( the eBay knife....but a bit more because of the pattern). You really can't just straighten out a blade after it has been heat-treated, without it being noticeable or risking the blade snapping. Also, having it repaired would make it a better tool, but no longer a real collectable. Keep an eye on the eBay knife to see what it sells for, to get an idea.
This just goes to show us that not everything we learn comes from a book, or at the very least, without some effort....
Still hoping to see pictures.
Bill
I thought you (and maybe others) would like to see these.....
http://cutlerscove.com/advertising-kniv ... h-shoe.htm
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... gory=43331
They are two examples of knives marked A. W. WADSWORTH & ..........SON!!!!! No S!!!
Maybe this is the earliest, or maybe it is the latest of the markings, when there was just ONE SON in the business. This might explain the difference in time periods between Goins' book and Levine's Guide.
If the blade tips on your knife are not too bad, it's probably worth at least what the first one was going for..... to someone who wants this trademark for a collection.
If the blades on your knife are ALL bent (like someone was prying with them).....it is probably worth closer to the lower price ( the eBay knife....but a bit more because of the pattern). You really can't just straighten out a blade after it has been heat-treated, without it being noticeable or risking the blade snapping. Also, having it repaired would make it a better tool, but no longer a real collectable. Keep an eye on the eBay knife to see what it sells for, to get an idea.
This just goes to show us that not everything we learn comes from a book, or at the very least, without some effort....
Still hoping to see pictures.
Bill
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not a clue
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 2:32 am
See Pictures
Bill,
it's done!
Don't laugh at the webpage, I tried my best.
http://home.earthlink.net/~shirlene3/
click on pen kinfe
shirley
it's done!
Don't laugh
at the webpage, I tried my best.http://home.earthlink.net/~shirlene3/
click on pen kinfe
shirley
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El Lobo
- Gold Tier
- Posts: 3036
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:47 pm
- Location: Arizona, right here in the U.S. of A.
) because otherwise, the knife looks to be in very nice shape. Great little knife.-
not a clue
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 2:32 am
Tip pictures are in
Thanks Bill for visiting the web page, I had fun with "101 Learn 4programs at once" you have no idea what I had to go through & how many pictures were taken(and trashed)
I didn't relieze that there was no pictures of the tips until I read your above comment about the tips, I was all proud of myself and thinking of the images and that they must be good even though I have the shakes then my chest sank and I went to the webpage and there is no pictures of the tips, I was more worried about the lettering and measuring. But I'm glad to anononce there is tip images & words of which blade is featured on the web page now. (one track mind---I've earned it)
So I take, bent tips will cause the value to decline?(well there goes buying the jet!) The other pictures if anyone wants to know from which blade the lettering is from, please ask me.
shirley
I didn't relieze that there was no pictures of the tips until I read your above comment about the tips, I was all proud of myself and thinking of the images and that they must be good even though I have the shakes then my chest sank and I went to the webpage and there is no pictures of the tips, I was more worried about the lettering and measuring. But I'm glad to anononce there is tip images & words of which blade is featured on the web page now. (one track mind---I've earned it)
So I take, bent tips will cause the value to decline?(well there goes buying the jet!) The other pictures if anyone wants to know from which blade the lettering is from, please ask me.
shirley