All About Pocket Knives

Hi All,

I was the recipient of an old 1930s era cigar box / turned jewelry box, and it had an old pocketknife inside (among other things). I'm pretty sure it belonged to my great grandpa, or maybe even his father. I noticed it said Southington Cut Co on the blades, and living in CT, I know where Southington is but had never heard of the cutlery company.

I'm wondering if you kind folks could help me identify this knife and the time period it might have been used. I'm also wondering if it would have been sold outside Connecticut, or if I should have reason to believe that someone in my family travelled through. Any help connecting to my family history is greatly appreciated!

Welcome to AAPK! Looks like your great grandpa really liked that knife. Southington was in business from 1869 to 1905 and sold locally and nationally. Here's a thread where their knives are discussed and shown.

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ry#p471624

They are hard to come by. I have found only two in 20 some years of collecting. Nice old knife with a lot of character. Welcome to AAPK too by the way. ____Dave

Here is a good bit of information about Southington: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... -1876-quot

I noticed you didn't ask what it's worth; a lot of first time posters do. While it is not worth much, the fact that you didn't ask seems to say you intend to keep it and enjoy it as a family treasure. Don't clean it. Maybe a nylon brush to remove the loose rust and a couple of drops of oil. I'd put it in a drawer or on a shelf with a picture of your grandpa and great grandpa and pull it out now and again and remember them. Pass it on one day.

Dennis

By the way, that pattern is known as a "Congress". You're a lucky fella to have something that belonged to your great-grandfather.

Thanks so much for your comments! Based on the age, I was figuring it belonged to a great-grandfather, a man I am too young to have ever met. The fact that it was saved all these years means something, though, even if I can't ask my grandma or grandpa about it's history (they too have passed). Wasn't interested in selling it, just planning to keep it in the box where I found it amongst other family things. More interested in the history than the cash.

Scoobydoo wrote:Thanks so much for your comments! Based on the age, I was figuring it belonged to a great-grandfather, a man I am too young to have ever met. The fact that it was saved all these years means something, though, even if I can't ask my grandma or grandpa about it's history (they too have passed). Wasn't interested in selling it, just planning to keep it in the box where I found it amongst other family things. More interested in the history than the cash.

Good on ya. Some things are worth more than money.

Btw, welcome to aapk!

Beautiful, old and well used knife! Welcome to AAPK Scooby. That is a special one. You are lucky to have such a great family piece. Southington made very high quality cutlery, in the old style, all by hand.

You've been so helpful. Wonder if you can help me identify or get more info on more item that was in the same box?