J.A. Henckels double gunstock - how old?

[Mumbleypeg]

I picked up this double gunstock pattern a while back, mainly because it was an unusual pattern, not frequently seen. Plus it was cheap. Has the usual Henckels “twins” stamp, with J. A. Henckels in an arch over the twins. Both blades stamped but I cannot find “Solingen” or “Germany” on it anywhere. Swaged blades are worn, and celluloid handle covers cracked and broken. Single back spring, 3-3-4 inches closed length, long match striker pulls, nice half-stops on both blades, and good snap.

I just can’t can’t find any references as to age of the knife, so any help with that would be apprciated.

Ken

[kootenay joe]

Ken, are you sure handles are celluloid ? Henckels often used ivory for the 'Gent's' type knives. Hard to date because Henckels made most of their patterns for decades without any changes. Obviously old but how old would be a guess. I think 1800's, but mid or late ??
I am away from my knives but i have an ivory handled knife in this pattern but do not recall maker. I'll look for it when i get back.
kj

[Mumbleypeg]

It very well could be ivory. I did not think of that possibility, and I don’t know anything about ivory. I did think of horn but ruled that out upon closer examination. Here are a couple of pictures I shot through a low-power loupe. Don’t know if they are of any help.

Ken

[espn77]

Cool knife Ken, regardless of the handle material

[kootenay joe]

I think it probably is ivory. Ivory can take on an orange hue from contact with the natural oil in skin. This knife has been used ++ from looking at blades so the handles have had a lot of contact with human hands. Also it is common to have a pin crack and loss of end pieces with ivory, found in at least 75% of old ivory handled knives.
kj

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks Roland. BTW the colors you see in the photos are accurate. Both sides have an orange tint but one side is noticeably lighter than the other.

Ken

[edge213]

I have one that is similar.
It's an IXL Wostenholm.
Definitely ivory.

[Mumbleypeg]

Nice knife David. Unlike my Henckels example, it appears the end bolsters on yours saved that part of the handle covers.

Ken