Hello All,
I recently acquired an I*XL George Wostenholm Barlow style pocket knife and I would like to know it's approximate age. Please excuse the flash photography, it's all I could do at present. Here is the knife:
Most of my reference books state that this marking was used from the late 1800's through 1971 so I suppose we will have to rely on other identifying information to narrow this time frame. The knife is 3 3/8 inches long closed with a spear master blade and a pen blade. The blades, springs and liners are carbon steel, the bolsters are iron and are marked I*XL as seen in the photo. The blades both have a common nail nick and half stops. The back springs are of different thicknesses. Both blades are marked "I*XL George Wostenholm Sheffield England" The pile side of the master blade is marked "Oil The Joints". The handles scales are saw cut dark brown bone and are pinned with steel or iron pins. The overall fit and finish is superb and the springs are remarkably strong.
I think this knife has 1930's type construction and materials. Am I way out of my reckoning or fairly accurate in this time frame?
Any input is much appreciated!
Thanks,
Kix
I recently acquired an I*XL George Wostenholm Barlow style pocket knife and I would like to know it's approximate age. Please excuse the flash photography, it's all I could do at present. Here is the knife:
Most of my reference books state that this marking was used from the late 1800's through 1971 so I suppose we will have to rely on other identifying information to narrow this time frame. The knife is 3 3/8 inches long closed with a spear master blade and a pen blade. The blades, springs and liners are carbon steel, the bolsters are iron and are marked I*XL as seen in the photo. The blades both have a common nail nick and half stops. The back springs are of different thicknesses. Both blades are marked "I*XL George Wostenholm Sheffield England" The pile side of the master blade is marked "Oil The Joints". The handles scales are saw cut dark brown bone and are pinned with steel or iron pins. The overall fit and finish is superb and the springs are remarkably strong.
I think this knife has 1930's type construction and materials. Am I way out of my reckoning or fairly accurate in this time frame?
Any input is much appreciated!
Thanks,
Kix
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