A new Imperial find

Absintheur

Absintheur

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Jan 31, 2008
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I found this Imperial hatchet cap lifter and couldn't resist buying it...cost me all of 2 bucks...lol. I have not seen one like this before and this one is in wonderful condition. It does have a couple spots on the blade but the scales are perfect without any cracks or shrinkage. They are wonderful examples of MOTS...:D The details are great, the shield and fishtail bolster just add to the charm. The sheath is also in amazing condition, normally I would expect plastic like this to have cracks or tears but it is minty as well. One interesting detail is the belt loop on the sheath, who is gonna wear this, Tinkerbell? At any rate I put a peanut in the pic for scale, overall it is 2 3/4 inches long. I think I'll field test this right now and open a Modello Negro...:thumbup:

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:thumbup:Very nice piece of Americana/History you have there!
Thanks for sharing.:cool:

Shawn
 
I regret to report I am out of Modelo Negro however the Imperial performed perfectly on a bottle of Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale. The opening operation was performed without a hitch or spillage. Bottle and opener are both resting fine.

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Sir you have found one heck of a knife there. Too bad about the Modelo.
 
Hi,

I would hope that the bottle is getting a vigorous workout.:D

dalee

P.S. Forgot to say that's a pretty cool little tool!
 
Great little knife.. I'd love to find one too.. Any others from your source?


Thanks,

Anthony
 
Looks like yours was made from 1946-1956. Here is the imperial chart.- Joel
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I could go for a modelo right now too !!!!
 
absintheur, by the way if your willing to wear that thing on your belt into the bar I'll buy you your next modelo? What 'd ya think? just kidding very cool find, I was gonna try to find one of thoes for my son. But Im too afraid of what he may try to chop down with it. Starting with my leg.- Joel

Here is another one like yours, This one measures 3 1/4 inches. I believe there may be a few different sizes, not positive on that though.
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gradall5200...thanks for dating that for me. The one you have is nice but mine is genuine Mother of Toilet Seat...that's gotta count for something...lol. These are without a doubt the neatest little cap lifters I have ever seen, not sure I understand the purpose of the hatchet blade other than for looks...lol. Maybe we should just carry then in our pockets at knife shows then in the evening in the bar it would be like a challenge coin! Whoever doesn't have one would have to buy the next round...
 
Maybe that hatchet is for cracking ice?? Cool piece!
 
Cracking ice?...rotflmao....look again at the size...this thing is tiny, it would have a tough time cracking a think fog. It does crack open beers nicely tho.
 
Ice? naahhh... the hatchet is obviously for half-ing limes to go with your Corona and later in the evening, tequilla... :D

Cute little thing though! Nice score.

G.
 
I think that is an Imperial Peanut:confused:...... shell cracker model ??:D
I would have bought that for more than you did. Great find.
 
I imagine it would work for chopping open those peanut shells while I tipple my grain based bubbly brew.

What other companies did openers like this? This is such a unique little niche it would be fun to start collecting them. (like I need something else to collect!) I am already scouring ebay and a few other sites and I plan to keep a closer eye on the local junk shops. Does anyone know of any other places they want to share as possible sources?
 
Absintheur- I found one of your hatchets Mini long lost cousins. I tried to fit it onto my belt but it wouldnt fit. Either way I will rig something up so when we go to the bar after the knife shows I can wear my mini hatchet on one side and my mini bowie on the other. We'll be popin beer tops, choppin ice, cracking peanuts, And now I can whittle my name in mini letters on the bathroom wall.- Joel

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I'll strap mine on too Joel...:D Burmuda shorts with black dress socks should complete the look...:p

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Don't forget the birkenstock sandles that finish off the black sock look!
 
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