Fob watch knives.

Robert.B

Robert.B

Joined
Apr 17, 2003
Messages
5,283
I was doing my average "I want but cant have" tour through eBay and stumbled across this little gem, it is kinda depressing I dont have funds allocated for that atm or I'd get it for my pocket watches fob chain (seems like the perfect piece for a traditionalist! :D)...but I was wondering how common were these? do they come up with any sort of frequency because this is the first time I have seen one that looks as if it were made to go with a specific pocket watch case.

So as not to link directly to the vendor (live auction) and I want to stick to the forum guide lines I am linking to the inkfrog account the vendor has for ebay items. Hopefully I'm doing this right.

http://img.inkfrog.com/click_enlarg...).JPG&username=thelistingmonkey&aid=449872941

T9846_(1).JPG


T9846_(2).JPG


T9846_(3).JPG


T9846_(4).JPG


T9846_(5).JPG


Also to make this into more a learning and sharing type of thread than just focusing on this one particular eBay item, does anyone else out there have a fob folder that would have been affixed to a pocket watch chain? and more information on makers who would have been producing items like this, anything pertaining to historical and possibly modern fob type folders.

I want to find out more on makers and rarity to work my chances of finding another once it's more viable.
 
These types of knives - meaning smaller ones with fancy scale "engraving" and a bail - are fairly common -- the only real problem on the bay is figuring out what the sellers are calling them. They were common some years back, they're just not so widely made now.
 
I have one of those. They are called skeleton knives by construction, not purpose. Knife makers (Colonial, esemco, etc.) Made the "skeleton" and sold them to dept. stores, vendors, and others who put their own scales on, typically non-ferrous and engraved. Many were not marked by the knife maker.

Here is what I found out about mine, with pics and more info.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/794161-Small-unknown-knife?highlight=unknown+small+knife

I like these knives, I think they could be a great segment to collect. Not something you see everyday.


-Xander
 
That one is nicer then the one on my grandfathers old pocket watch. I inhereted all of his some collectable and some not.
 
DSCF5522.jpg

DSCF5518.jpg


Pulled this out of the bay a while back. Don't think I got a particularly great deal, but it is a neat little knife.
 
That is a nice little knife! I love how these knives have such a refined bail...it looks more professional.

Peter would you be able to take some pics of your grandfathers knife? :) be interested to see it.

Xander I believe I had heard the term skeleton knife keyed before with a knife believed to be owned by the one and only Doc Holliday but it had no provenance (it was a larger knife though). The one you found is a really nice piece with tons of character considering its been used a fair bit, i'm guessing the ring and scales were 14k gold?
 
Robert, the scales on mine are not gold, they are copper. The ring looks like nickel silver, but it could be anything.

Peter, I too would love to see some pics of your knives!


-Xander
 
I have a collection of these Fob knives. I'll post pics when i get home in about a week. Some of the vintage ones are quite exquisite with Tortoise Shell or Pearl handles.
I've been buying them because there are always lots listed on ebay and hardly anybody else bids for them.
roland
 
rprocter said:
I have a collection of these Fob knives. I'll post pics when i get home in about a week. Some of the vintage ones are quite exquisite with Tortoise Shell or Pearl handles.
I've been buying them because there are always lots listed on ebay and hardly anybody else bids for them.
roland
Click to expand...

When I get settled stateside I'll give you some competition :D I think these could be highly collectible to me and I'll probably check out the estate auctions as well for more. I cannot wait to see your collection and some info on the ones you have.
 
Hey guys time to bump this thread, I was given this by forum member Mike Berkovitch...I'd like to thank him for his generosity and I'll be sure to admire this little guy for years to come!

284991_10150259204196601_600566600_7819203_4146680_n.jpg


285517_10150259204271601_600566600_7819204_6214909_n.jpg
 
There are some examples of "everyday" versions of these in the "Old Knives" thread. If I remember correctly, many of them were made by Shrade, and the chains were permanently attached. Very interesting knives.
 
Robert and fast14riot sorry I lost track of this post! I was going to waite and take new pictures when my new knife arrived but I don't trust myself to remember; I needed to take my mind off the new knife as well! Here you go....
002-17.jpg

001-18.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks for posting that! its a very nice knife and I love the pocket watches! that bronze one has some real character!
 
My contribution......300Bucks

My family train watch, had uncle who rode the Santa Fe from KC to Albq.
watch.jpg

smallknifegroup.jpg

Litlleguys.jpg
 
Last edited:
300Bucks said:
My contribution......300Bucks

My family train watch, had uncle who rode the Santa Fe from KC to Albq.
Click to expand...

Great collection of fob knifes you have! and that watch is a real gem! thanks for posting them and I look forward to any other members with smaller knives that fit in the category.
 
I saw a few of those on the fleabay too. They went for much more than I thought they would and definitely more than I wanted to pay.

The descriptions said they were made of brass. One had a draft horse scene, one elk, and the other was a wildlife scene also. They caught my eye because my father has one with a deer scene that goes to his pocket watch that is supposed to be part of my inheritance when the time comes. Hopefully for not another 20 years or so...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top