Henry David Thoreau's PenKnife?

Joined
Jul 21, 2001
Messages
2,869
I have read several passages where H.D. Thoreau writes about his 'pen knife'. He also mentions a Rogers Pen Knife. I would ask has anyone seen a knife in a museum that was claimed to be his, or knows of any references I could check out?
 
The knife seems to get only minimal mention and I have no idea where you would be able to research it. I have never heard nor seen anything that would lead me to believe that it is in any collection, private or public.
 
You might want to call the Concord Museum, in Concord MA. They have basic knowledge in much info about Thoreau's life and time spent at Walden Pond etc. They might be able to help you with some specifics.
 
Jayharley:
Your tip on the Concord Museum proved very fruitfull. I called them and talked to David Wood, curator. He was very knowledgable and accomodating. He stated that Henry David Thoreau's pen knife was not in any collections that he knew of, it is felt that Frank Sandborne or Nathanial Hawthore may have had posesion of his last knife. He stated that Thoreau was an excellnt craftsman, loved good tools and knew how to use them. The mortices he cut in constucting his home were perfection.

He also commented that as a surveyer and writer Thoreau's knives probably included a true Pen Knife and he used it for sharpening his pencils and qull pens. The model called a "Pen Knife" is well established. I saw a photo of several in Northwest Knives and Collectibles recent catalog and ordered one dating from the 1850's made in Sheffield. They did not have a Rogers Pen Knife, but this is close. Elephant Ivory scales, nickel silver bolsters.

Can't wait and thanks to all for sharing thoughts with me.
Take Care
 
Back
Top