C.F. Wolfertz Knife Info

[Rene714]

Hi! I have had this knife for 40+ years and have no idea how old it might be or what it may be worth. It is marked "C.F. Wolfertz" (in an arch) with "& Co." under it - beneath that it says "Allentown PA". It is 7 inches long and made of very dark wood. At a sports show about 15 years ago, a knife dealer told me it was from the 1800's (maybe) and immediately offered me $50.00 for it on the spot - figured it was worth a lot more than that due to his reaction. He said it looked like an " Ebony Jack", but wasn't 100% sure. Is this accurate? Can anyone offer me any more information? It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[knifegnome]

According to Goins book Wolfertz & Co Allentown Pa dates 1905-0944
if it was marked C.F. Wolfertz Co only it would date 1862-1873
if marked Wolfertz & Waldman it would date 1873-1905
Nice Barehead jack.
It's hard to tell from the photos if it's Ebony, Ebony is usually almost black but can fade if in a display case in the sun like at flea markets.
Yours looks dark brown to me in the photos, could be Cocobolo,hard to say not having it in hand.

[Gunsil]

Looks more like cocobolo to me. I think the dealer made you a good offer 15 years ago, and I think it would be hard to get much more for a used wood handled jack by Wolfertz today.

[Rene714]

Thank you! Appreciate your responses and sharing your knowledge!

[Ridgegrass]

I have 3 Wolfertz pieces including this hawk in rosewood or cocoblo. Nice old Pennsylvania mark. J.O'.

[Ridgegrass]

Here's another hawk. Probably ebony? Again, hard to tell. Half moon stamp with a nice butt plate, iron liners. J.O'.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Nice knife and Wolfertz is an appreciated brand.

Just FYI, pocketknive’s lengths are measured with the blades closed, just measuring the body of the knife.

Most company catalogs showed the length and that can be used to authenticate a knife.

Blade lengths change over time, generally shorter, unless someone installs a blade that would not have originally been there.

Again, nice old well made knife.

I’m guessing cocobolo wood, based on the color.