All About Pocket Knives

Tang stamp:
ROBESON
Shuredge
ROCHESTER
pile side tang:
STAINLESS
STEEL

Pat. May 13, 1924 is on the bail

on the inside of the key is: The Rapid Electrotype Co. Cincinnati

Very nice, I like unusual stuff like that

Wow, that's neat. ___Dave

Nice knife.

These knives were made for the gentleman that utilized a post office box to receive their mail.

The key blanks were to fit the Yale locks which were present on most PO boxes, but they made arrangements for those who did not have Yale locks.

The knives came in nickel and gold or brass finish and there was more than one style of machining done on the handles.

I bought these two off Ebay. They came is a small shipping box and both were in little Robeson flannel pouches.

I don't think I've ever seen one with that patent date, though. That's new info for me.

The knives did have a pattern number, but I've only seen one with it.

539773. Apparently, they counted the key blank as a blade.

Charlie Noyes

Charlie, thanks for posting.

Here's a little pen knife with key. 2 13/16" closed.

Nice one and the long pulls indicate an earlier knife.

You have any idea what the spool with its contents represents?

It could be sewing thread or possibly something much more substantial.

Charlie

Thank you, Charlie.
I was hoping the long pulls would make it an earlier knife.
The little "spool" is nicely fashioned. I don't know what it represents. Sure wish I did.
The little bail is stamped; PAT. MAY 13, 1924. Very crisp stamp.
Nothing on the key and no pattern number.
Thanks for looking.

I find it very interesting that the vast majority of these never had their keys cut to fit a lock.

And that goes for the inexpensive/give-a-way folding automobile keys made by Colonial or Imperial, etc.

Charlie

Interesting indeed.
I don't know these knives first hand but it is odd that the manufacturer thought there was a market for these key knives
but the consumer, having bought the knife, never took advantage of the key.
I think folks just enjoyed the novelty of the knife.
I like mine.

here are a few pics of mine.... i dont know much about this knife. im trying to sell it and a few more Robesons i have together in a lot! im not sure about prices so if anyone can help i would really appreciate it? thanks joe 304-939-3258