"Henry Sears" knife

[Biff Spurlock]

I just acquired my grandfather's pocket knife. It is a medium-sized jackknife with celluloid (or something) scales. The blades are marked "Henry Sears and Sons". My dad thought that was a Sears, Roebuck brand. Does anyone know where this knife came from?

The knife has two blades, a clip and pen opening at the same end in the jack style. The scales are sort of tortoise-shell like, except yellowish instead of brown. Incidentally, I'm in my 40's and since this was my grandfathers knife, it's been around a while.

Thanks for any help.

Biff

 

[Kodiak PA]

Hi Biff,
Henry Sears & Co. was started around the end of the civil war in Chicago. In 1883 it became Henry Sears and Son. Look at the tang for a clue when the knife was made:
H. Sears MFG Co was made 1865-1883
Henry Sears & Son Chicago 1883-1897
Henry Sears & Son 1865 1897-1959
Note that the later models had 1865 stamped on the tang and does not mean that the knives were made in 1865. That is kind of confusing to some folks who think their knife is really old.

The company was actually sold to Farwell-Ozmun-Kirk Co aroound 1887 though they kept the same name. I do not think it has anything to do with the Sears we now know.

Congratulations on owning a nice knife that your grandpa must have really loved.

I hope this helps a little.

Regards,

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska

 

[Biff Spurlock]

Originally posted by Kodiak PA:
Hi Biff,
Henry Sears & Co. was started around the end of the civil war in Chicago. In 1883 it became Henry Sears and Son. Look at the tang for a clue when the knife was made:
H. Sears MFG Co was made 1865-1883
Henry Sears & Son Chicago 1883-1897
Henry Sears & Son 1865 1897-1959
Note that the later models had 1865 stamped on the tang and does not mean that the knives were made in 1865. That is kind of confusing to some folks who think their knife is really old.

The company was actually sold to Farwell-Ozmun-Kirk Co aroound 1887 though they kept the same name. I do not think it has anything to do with the Sears we now know.

Congratulations on owning a nice knife that your grandpa must have really loved.

I hope this helps a little.

Regards,

Thanks, Greg. It says "Henry Sears and Son" but does not say Chicago or 1865. Both blades are marked the same way. It looks fairly crude compared to more modern knives, but the blades seem to be of good steel.

Thanks again,
Biff