All About Pocket Knives

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired this Miller Bros. U.S.A. two-blade pocket knife from a Masonic estate auction.

I’m not claiming it is a Masonic knife, but I’m hoping someone here may recognize it.

It has several unusual features:

* Tang stamp: MILLER BROS. U.S.A.
* Bail marked: S&BL Co.
* Brass/gold-colored handles with an eight-point star inlay.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone seen another Miller Bros. with an S&BL Co. marked bail?
2. Does the eight-point star have any known significance, or is it simply decorative?
3. Does this appear to be a factory configuration, a special order, or a later modification?

Any information, old catalogs, or similar examples would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

Echaniz1992 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 2:11 am Hello…..

This is an “AI” description. So, it may not be 100% accurate.

“S&BL Co. (often stamped as "S & B.L. Co.") is the hallmark for the S & B Lederer Company, a notable American jewelry manufacturer based in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in the 1870s by brothers Sigmund and Benedict B. Lederer, the company operated until 1931. They were prominent creators of high-quality, rolled gold-filled and gold-layered jewelry. Their pieces are highly collectible today, with a rich market among vintage and antique jewelry enthusiasts. Key Characteristics of S&BL Co. Jewelry Era: Primarily Victorian (c. 1880–1901), Art Nouveau (c. 1890–1910), and Edwardian (c. 1901–1910s). Materials: High-quality gold plating and gold-filled finishes, often accented with etched floral motifs, repousse work, and colorful antique glass "paste" stones. Common Items: They are most famous for intricate photo lockets, watch fobs, chatelaines, and engraved domed bangle bracelets. Hallmark: Pieces were often stamped with "S & B.L. CO.". Some of their higher-end lines included the "Veribest" stamp or a small five-pointed star mark.”

Your knife is a watch fob, typically attached by a short chain to a gentleman's pocket watch. These often consist of a "skeleton" knife which is a knife manufactured and sold without any handle covers, to third parties (such as jewelers), which then attach fancy covers often made of precious metals, for resale.

Ken