Help identifying an old pocket knife

Winston_Smith

Winston_Smith

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Oct 18, 2019
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433
Hey all,

Don't spend much time in this corner of BF, but finally decided to see if I could find some info on an old pocket knife that belonged to, and was well used, by my great, great grandfather.

I also have a pocket watch that belonged to him that is circa 1896, and I'm sure he carried this on his farm in KS around the same time. I can't quite make out the markings on the base of the blades, but almost want to say it's "ENDERES" however the first letter or symbol looks worn and hoping someone here has some knowledge on older knives. Not so concerned about value here, it's an heirloom that I hope my son will one day appreciate but so far I haven't been able to infest him with the knife bug.

Any help greatly appreciated,

Winston

Knife.jpgjm big.jpgjm small.jpg

Edit to correct spelling
 
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If it was made for Enderes, they reopened a couple years ago and I believe they're still family owned so there's a chance they might at least know if they ever offered pocket knives.
They are out of Minnesota though, so unless they moved over the years it may not be the same company.
 
You guys are amazing, even in spite of my misspelling the name in the body of the post. Ran a bit with what you both mentioned, got more digging to do when I have more time, but looks like Ernest Enderes started making knives under that name in about 1905 in Iowa, then later moved to Minnesota and made various tools in three different factories. He sold in 1926 and that's where the Original Enderes in Steve's post came from, from what I can find he jobbed them out to a couple/three different manufacturers.

I'll have to do some research on the MN connection per Hickory, decent chance they are related somehow since the original factories were in Albert Lea, MN. Again, very much appreciate the information you gave me so I can hopefully find out some more about this.

Winston

ETA - found this - http://www.enderes.com/history.htm - not the original owners but hopefully they know something of the manufacturing history. Now I'm really late, more sleuthing later.
 
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Thanks lambertiana,

I saw some references to Goins when snooping around, and if I've got it right from the bit I've seen it looks like they quit using that tang stamp after the company was sold in 1926 when they began being marketed as 'Original Enderes', so that would tie in with the info on the pic that SteveC posted. I'm not sure I've got 100% of that right, but think it's at least close and I'll see if I can access the Goins guide to nail it down.

After my earlier post I shot an email to Enderes through their website as I was running out the door asking if by any chance old records might have been retained. Got an email back from the owner asking for pics so he could reference an old catalogue and saying he collects them as well. Per the info on the website, he owned a machine shop that did a lot of maintenance and repair on Enderes' equipment for 30 years and bought them when they closed due to financial issues. It sounds like he's got a real appreciation for the history of the company, and sure looks like it fell into good hands with somebody that appreciates it's heritage.

Winston
 
A very interesting heirloom and the information contributed by others. A nice Sleeveboard in Ebony, you might carry out light cleaning and polishing of the wood, a wonderful connexion to your past as well.

Thanks, Will
 
Thanks Will,

I wasn't aware of what that blade profile was, I appreciate the information.

Winston
 
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