All About Pocket Knives

I've had this one for sometime. Tang stamp is well worn, but enough letters to finally track it down. Other then I.D. I can't seem to find much other info on it. So, as (or if) the topic progresses, I'd like to try and gather as much as possible, the rest of the story. Anyone want to take a stab at it? Hint: it's a whole lot older then I would have originally thought.

Didn't someone post a picture of a Robeson that was similar to that one?

Probably a Wolfertz

The hinge pin has been replaced, so maybe the blade/blades were too at some point in time.

Both good guesses fellers, but not Robeson, not Wolfertz. Miller Bro's, the non-flush pin (if that's what your saying) could indicate a replacement, but the handles are semi-hollow and i've seen some examples of that type of build where this kind of pin was used to help prevent smashing (or caving in) the handles. I'm not informed enough to make that call, but still possible IMHO that it could be original. I am relatively certain the blades are original to the frame. It's a classic pattern for the company. In fact the only other examples i've ever seen were this same pattern but different handles. Thanks for weighing in!

Well then, I will guess it`s a N.Y. Knife Co.

Not a NYK. And out of sheer ignorance, I have to ask. What's a Wolfertz anyway?

Miller Bro`s wrote:Well then, I will guess it`s a N.Y. Knife Co.

that's what i was gonna say too

whitebuffalo58 wrote:And out of sheer ignorance, I have to ask. What's a Wolfertz anyway?

This is...........................

Touche!

Check this Wolfertz thread:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... t=wolfertz

Wolfertz. Huh...makes me wonder how many I may have come across over the years and didn't know what I was lookin' at. Oh well, i'm sure it's the only brand i'm not familiar with.

I know the feeling...But check out some of the threads on the Knife Lore forum, it's unbelievable the old and rare stuff that turns up over there. Levine and Price each list over 1,500 brands so we won't run out of new knives to post any time soon. I posted some old advertisements at Knife Lore, including one for American Ace, New Jersey Cutlery, never saw one of those, also White Eagle, or WECO Cutlery, never saw one of those. I'd say if you ever get bored of pocket knives, you'd hav to be bored of life.

Miller Bro`s wrote:

whitebuffalo58 wrote:And out of sheer ignorance, I have to ask. What's a Wolfertz anyway?

This is...........................

I can see why you thought Wolfertz. Very similar. Are the handles somewhat hollowed?

Will do Trail. From the Civil War era to the Great Depression, the number of knife makers & company's in the U.S. alone are enough to keep a person busy through 6 lifetimes. The knife I posted in this thread was a new one on me. That always jump starts the discovery mode. Who, what, when, where, why? Discovering the history is almost as big of a thrill as finding the knife.

trail wrote:I posted some old advertisements at Knife Lore, including one for American Ace, New Jersey Cutlery, never saw one of those

trail, thought you might be interested in seeing these.

I'll guess Coquanoc Works.

Wow! Yes I am VERY interested in seeing those! Couldn't have been easy puttin' together a group like that, especially when they were only made for a couple of years. Love that Pyramite! Thanks! Knife is not a Coquanoc. Of course, I have to plead ignorance once again. Never seen or even heard of that one either. Wait a minute...are you sure ya'll ain't a messin' with me? LOL!

whitebuffalo, you're right about putting those 5 knives into a group. I started collecting American Ace knives 8 years ago. I've come across 7 in those 8 years. Whenever I come across one I snatch it up. The only reason I have 5 instead of 7 is because the other two were the same pattern and handle material as the jack but in even worse shape so I passed on them.

As for Coquanoc Works, that was a company in Philadelphia c. 1876. The reason I guessed that maker was because I have a knife by that company with similar handles.

You've done well on those American Ace knives buddy! They are unique! Congrats! I really thought at first that the brass handles on this knife were somewhat unique and it surprises me that there were as many others as there are. This is maybe a bit of a hint, but so far this knife COULD pre-date both the Wolfertz and the Coquanoc.

All done? The knife is tang stamped Union Knife Co. Naugatuk. From what I was able to find, it dates from between 1851 and 1885. It appears that the factory burnt down at that time. The ol' knife's pretty rough. The blades and tang stamps are well worn, but both blades still have respectable snap. As mentioned, the front pin IS questionable. At first glance it appears to be spun, but on close inspection, I believe it was actually hand hammered and not machine spun. Judging from the fit of the backsprings to the blade stops, I feel fairly confident that the blades are original to the handles. The handles themselves appear to be cast brass. They're relatively thick walled but hollow. I would assume this was done to reduce the weight. When I first researched this knife, the only other examples I came across were this same pattern. However, they were a standard built knife with seperate liners and bolsters. The bolsters, like the bolster "area" of this knife were also grooved. Since posting this knife I have come across other Union-Naugatuk patterns. Any other info (or feedback) anyone can offer would be appreciated. Thanks. WB

dang, as i was typing that maker and year, you posted the answer...nice find

Thanks, I'll go ahead and award ya the cigar, just for good measure.