100 year old Norvell-Shapleigh Jack

Luger1952

Luger1952

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Jan 12, 2012
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Just acquired this Norvell-Shapleigh DE (1903-1917) bare head Jack with hand hammered pins. 3.375". Has some pitting and corrosion but it is a remarkable testament to the early 20th century cutlery craftsmen. For a 100 year old folder the W & T is near perfect, NO gaps in the springs or liners/spacers whatsoever, both blades flush at close, half, and full open, smooth transitions from jigged bone to bolsters and spacers or liners/springs. I wish some of my even more modern traditionals were built this well :D ! Lloyd



 
I don't love all traditionals but after a century this looks amazing.

I would be terrified of opening it in case the back spring snaps! I wouldn't want to be the one to cause that.

Here's to it lasting another 100 years!
 
That's an Empire made knife. I once got outbid on a Empire farmers jack that the jigged bone really resembled the Shapleigh. Nice acquisition Lloyd.
 
it looks like it has never been used or sharpened. If it is actually 100 years old you have got a little treasure
 
Excellent Swell-End/Teardrop and I always think Barehead shows off the bone to its real advantage. This bone is superb too. The tang-stamps are in remarkable condition, exhibiting no wear or gumming up. The blades were likely unused but it began to spot rust a bit during its years of waiting to be liberated from obscurity! Well done on getting hold of it, I'd be tempted to use it from time to time, light duties mind.

Thanks, Will
 
Really nice find, congratulations :thumbup:
 
Thanks gentlemen for the nice remarks on this old boy! Lyle thanks for confirming that it is an Empire. I thought perhaps it was a Schrade or Empire. After checking my sources I believe you are "right on" about Empire being the maker. Anyway, yes I believe the blade is full and just was never used and shows very little evidence of sharpening post factory edge. Just probably sat in a drawer for a long time (since around WWI :eek:) or something and just shows the effects of time in terms of corrosion and pitting. It functions perfectly and snaps shut and open very positively (both blades) but with nice smoothness. I would say the main blade is about an 8 with the pen blade about 7 or just slightly less than the main blade. Lloyd
 
Beautiful find, Lloyd! Thanks for sharing it here, to others for their input. Every knife provides an education, especially when shared here, and this one is a particularly delightful lesson. :)

Some Scotch-brite and elbow grease, and you'll have it looking good as new. :thumbup:

~ P.
















Kidding.
 
Knives like that are what keep us searching Lloyd !!!!
Great find and good luck with finding many more just like that !!!!
Great jigging on it and the Kick does not look like it was ever closed much either .
Looks like it was kept in a drawer .

Harry
 
What a find! I too am constantly amazed at the finish of the turn of the century knives, they often are quite a feat of craftsmanship!!
 
Wow. Where in the world are you guys finding these great old knives?
 
Great Find Lloyd :thumbup: You're getting good at finding the old ones! :cool:
I too love the bone!!


Dave
 
Superb, Lloyd. Another beautiful example of early 20th century craftsmanship. The bone is soooo nice! :thumbup::thumbup:
 
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