Imperial Knife ID

[Jclarke]

Imperial - ID

Hi all, I found this knife among my late grandfather’s things in my work bench that I inherited from him. If it helps, he was born in 1930 and passed in 2016. There is a tang stamp that reads “Imperial PROV RI” which would indicate Providence RI.. most of the things that I have of his, from tools to shotguns, are dated from c. 1945-65… any idea which model this is and rough manufacture date?

PS I spent about 45 minutes today cleaning it up - I used a combination of Dawn, steel wool, light sand paper and gun oil. I’ll keep working at it…

[edge213]

1930s to 1945

[3030remchesterCOLO]

Don't overdo it. You are permanently removing your grandpa's history.

[FRJ]

PS I spent about 45 minutes today cleaning it up - I used a combination of Dawn, steel wool, light sand paper and gun oil. I’ll keep working at it… IMG_9617.jpegIMG_9616.jpeg

Welcome here, Jclarke.
Early Imperials had solid bolsters and they were built like a tank.
You've got a real treasure there for several reasons.
Those family oldies don't like much cleaning.

[Jclarke]

Thanks for the quick replies, all! One of the smaller blades is gritty/sticky trying to open and close. Once that is resolved I’ll leave it “as is.”

[Reverand]

I am glad to see you enjoying that Knife! It has a few battle scars, but knowing that it was your Grandfather's knife makes it all the more beautiful!