All About Pocket Knives

Hello. I recently found an old pocket knife while metal detecting near a circa early 1700's house site in Stafford Virginia, and hoping someone can provide further information on it. I have been unable to get a good picture at this point; however, it is about 2.7" long, the blade is still folded into the knife-the blade is heavily oxidized, and appears to be iron. The width is approx. 1/2" as well as it's thickness. The case is made of brass, and is held together with brass pins. Both sides of the handle have raised letters reading the following: (one side reads "god bless king george the 3& Charlot the queen" with 'ff's' in place of the 'ss's'). The other side reads "god lend them both long and happy reign". The case type of the letters is as it reads. I would surely be interested to learn more about it if anyone has further information. I will continue to try and get a detailed picture of it to post here. Thanks.

Welcome to AAPK

According to the website linked below, King George III who was married to Queen Charlotte, reigned as England's monarch from 1760-1820. If that knife was made to commerate his reign while he was on the throne it is definately in the "vintage" category.

I really can't tell you anything about the knife itself, but perhaps this link will give you a bit of historical perspective.



http://www.victorianstation.com/kinggeorge.htm


Phil

Welcome to AAPK!!

Really wanting to see pictures of this knife.

Do you have a scanner?
If so, lay the knife on the scanner plate, cover with a manila folder or similarly tinted piece of stock and make a few B&W and color scans.

Most decent scanners will do 3-D objects.

If you don't have photo software, post what you can get, maybe one of us can download and refine it.

Charlie Noyes

Hello Gang. Thank you. I apologize for my lack of introductory etiquette. I have been so excited since I found the knife, that a few of my basic manners seem to have subsided. Not an excuse, just a character flaw.
I am submitting some photos that I was just able to take and upload.

sweet artifact...makes ya wonder if the guy dropped it, or was dropped with it...? any buttons in the area?
the funnie little s's are called "eth", went out of style early decade of the 19th century.

pronounced as written...

I'm not much help here, but it's a very interesting knife.

Were they making such knife handles in the 18th century?

The handle-die shape looks like a slim modern lockback.....if it's really old, it just proves once again that there's nothing new under the son, what goes around comes around, etc, etc.

We need Mick (Smiling-Knife) to opine here, methinks.

Charlie Noyes

I am not quite sure about whether or not they were making handles like that one back then or not.
I can say that it was found within a hundred yards or so from an old colonial house site that has produced 1700's coins, buttons, bottles, etc., along with confederate civil war items from the 1860's period. It has gravestones that date back to the 1600's, an old stone-lined well, and old carved stone foundation.

Welcome to the site Snacula. Very interesting. It is possible that your's is a mid 18th century knife. It is similar in style to this one seen here in Simon Moore's book; Penknives and other folding knives, page 14.

Good Job S-K, I believe you've nailed.

Smiling-Knife:
Thank you so much for your time and research. I would have to agree with tjmurphy-- you nailed it. Now, my next step is to get a value on it, so I can decide if I should sell, or keep. Do you know, by chance, the rarity of such an item? In the meantime, I will research in Simon Moore's book you mentioned, along with some other books and so forth. That's really neat to see others along the same issue/make. This is great!! You all are awesome!!

You're welcome. If a genuine 1760ish Royal commemorative knife, rarity is extremely high. Although condition not so great. I could not possibly speculate on value.

I'll be sure and add any new information as I get or find it.
Thanks again!

Thanks... I'd really like to learn more about your knife. Please keep us informed of any developments. Best wishes. s-k

Hello, I am new to the forum & live in Cincinnati Ohio. Today I purchased a small brass folding fruit knife (just like the one discussed here) at a local antique market. I’m very interested in learning about it and, of course, an idea of its value. I did find one in the British Museum collection - it is not on display.
Any help, comments etc are most welcome.

Interesting knife!! If you could take a couple photos of the knife open showing the makers name on the tang would help a lot identifying your knife. Thanks

George III, the mad king. 246 years ago he got the beginnings of a reality check.

Hello, i’m attaching several close up photos of the King George 3 commemorative knife with the blade open. There are marks but hard to read. thank you so much for your help. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Ive done more research on the George 3 coronation pocket knife. (I posted photos to the forum earlier this month). After finding a knife catalogued but not on display at the British Museum very similar to mine, I sent photos through the general inquiry
I’ve just heard back from the head researcher at the Museum asking for its weight and measurements.
i’ll post their reply as soon as I receive it. The mystery deepens!