All About Pocket Knives

OK boys and girls, this is "reading the knife 101" tell me in 10 words or less why this isn't a valuable Brown Bros knife?

remember I didn't say it wasn't original, I am asking for valuable.

Get out your paper and pencil

http://cgi.ebay.com/OLD-BROWN-BROS-PEN- ... dZViewItem

Let's see if I've learned anything (that's 6 words)

- pin doesn't match bolster (that's another 4 words) -

Did I get it right?

This doesn't count for my 10 words! You caught me going out the door to go to work, I am not familiar with Brown Bros, looked in 2 references real fast (no listing for them) but this is why I would say in 10 words why the knife is not valuable:

1. Pin (Screw?)
2. Scales don't match materials?
3. Blade loss
4. Scratches/Dings

blades worn/pitted, pivot replaced, not correct pattern?

How'd I do?

I am guessing too but:
The poor condition of the blades?

Dale

Guess...both blades shouldn't be stamped BROWN BROS?

I believe the "Pin" in question, is actually the Stanhope lens.

JMO.

Bill

you got me on this one. looks good to me. what makes it less valuable?

That pivot pin looks like it is the wrong metal, not original.
Looks more like a whittler pattern especially at that length, 3 5/16.
Master blade length looks a little short when closed.
Looks like bone maybe 2 different type scales.
Blade loss, like the false edge though.
I'm done, just guessing

Yeah Hukk, I thought the scales, one looked Bone, the other looks plastic... or some other type of material. Har to tell in the picture.
That pin looked like someone took a bolt and put it through and just took the ends off!

That is what it appeared to me anyways. Like on the end I think on the reverse side, looks like the end of a bolt. The tip of that master blade sticks out, agree with you there, doesn't look like it belongs.
I already but in my 10 word guess so know I am babbeling!

That isn't the pin showing...it's the Stanhope viewer.

Bill

Ok, I re-read the description, not familiar with what exactly a Stanhope Viewer is, but I think I understand the concept...
I thought they were 2 seperate things!

Wouldn't make a very reliable pin I would think!

EDIT: Ok, so I got educated on Stanhope Viewers...

http://www.acmi.net.au/AIC/STANHOPE_BIO.html

http://www.antiquewhs.com/2002258.htm

http://www.stanhopemicroworks.com/libra ... nicles.htm

and the only thing I can find on the Net about Brown Bros. was this:

Want to Know- Information on a Brown Bros. knife. It appears to have a bone handle w/ brass bolsters and liner.

4 blades, still in fairly good condition for its age (snap in blade, name visible on all 4 blades).

I am seeking assistance with identification and authentication.

So looking at what I am reading here, the Stanhope Viewer is more desirable than the knife itself (based of the condition of the knife)

Well SFC ADP,

At least you got to learn about Mr. Stanhope.

I think the 2 Brown brothers are probably sitting there with ole PA, just chucklin' at us trying to figure this easy one out.

Bill

In the enlarged photo, the two blades do not look like they are made

from the same steel?

come on pa, let er rip.

OK,

Well, I certainly enjoyed the comments that were made. As predicted some of you just looked the at the knife quickly and determined that it wasn't right due to the pin. El Lobo gets an "A" no surprise there for pointing this out first. As for the knife construction. Yes this is an original Brown Bros knife made in Germany at the turn of the century. They had them made in Tidioute and in Germany. It is fairly worn, but if you were a stamp collector like me, you would be interested. Both blades should be stamped Brown Bros. Most of the older companies "notice I didn't say all" stamped all the blades. Not cost effective anymore and few do it nowadays. Something to put in your memory box. SFC ADP gets a "A" due to his extra credit research. "nice links to Stanhope infor" You would have gotten a "C" if you hadn't done that. Congrats. Handles are Ok and are common on Brown Germany knives. Pattern is small and not particularly unusual. So why isn't it that valuable. Even given the so so condtion which takes alot from away from it. One could say WOW a Stanhope lens on this knife. For a Stanhope collector it is great, how about a knife collector????? Folks just as important, SFC ACP links show that these came from overseas during the same time as Brown Bros. It does have value although not a high dollar. I consider a high dollar as a knife over $100. Don't be mislead by add ons. Unless you are positive that it should be on the knife HUMMM!!! what is the value. Have any of you ever see another Brown Bros with this. I doubt it. But don't think just Brown, Think about your favorite company and LEARN what they did and why. I have never seen another Brown like this. AFter market "maybe" limited production HUMMM maybe? Special production HUMM maybe? They didn't do this to Brown Bros so why is this one. Closer look is the only way to say for sure. The message here is to know you companies, patterns and don't be to quick to judge a knife, You have read it closely. Hope I didn't spoil anyones thoughts on this one. I throughly enjoyed your interaction and everyone gets a "A" for looking and learning. Humm maybe they'll put a compass on a old Catt from LV. OH COME on let's not get crazy. ask questions

PA... I never have even heard of a Stanhope Lens before today, asked the guy I work with if he had ever heard of one, of course he said "no"
So I can honestly say I learned something new today!
Stanhope lenses I guess were never well known with Gen X.
This was a fun one though!