If a knife has an illegible tang stamp, but other discernible characteristics... Is it genuine?

North Shore

North Shore

Joined
Jun 28, 2016
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Am I in the wrong, to consider this knife a Miller Brothers whittler? For some reason it looks like the main blade is a blank, never stamped. But it has Philips screw pins and covered back springs, 100% indicative of a Miller Brothers knife. What is your opinion, should I not consider this a Millers Brothers knife and therefore does it take a big hit in value?

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North Shore said:
Am I in the wrong, to consider this knife a Miller Brothers whittler? For some reason it looks like the main blade is a blank, never stamped. But it has Philips screw pins and covered back springs, 100% indicative of a Miller Brothers knife. What is your opinion, should I not consider this a Millers Brothers knife and therefore does it take a big hit in value?

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I don't have an answer but if Philips screws are a sign of authenticity then something is amiss. Those aren't Philips screws.:)
 
By looking at characteristic things like the slotted screws and type of covered backsprings and determining it is likely miller bros you have done what is called "reading the knife", determining a brand by its manner of construction or particular traits, not by the stamp. This is especially useful like in your case where there is no stamp to read, and also helps in spotting fakes.
 
That's an interesting question. Do we ever really "know" if a knife is the genuine article? Sometimes we can find an old print advertisement or catalog that will lend some certainty.
My guess would be that you have a Miller Bros, but the blade was either never stamped, the stamp is worn off, or the blade may have been replaced at some point.
Whatever it is, I like it. :cool::thumbsup:
 
North Shore said:
Lol I'm embarrassed over the Philips, slotted/flat head screw mix up
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Been there!! I've used the wrong word lots of times, and said (to my wife or whoever) but you knew what I meant!!
And I too think it's a Miller Bros!!:D
 
That knife might have been made by Miller Bros, but it looks like may have been reworked. Tang stamp ground off, maybe a new blade welded on to the tang, the swedge and nail nick look all wrong....Lots of stuff like this on fleabay....
 
North Shore said:
Would it be unscrupulous to buy/sell this knife conditionally that it is a Miller Brothers?
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You should not sell it as a Miller Brothers but you could advertise it as such. What I mean by that is any headlines for the item can read Miller Brothers but in the descriptions a notation that the lack of clear markings it is possible that it is not a Miller Brothers. That is a consideration if the name will draw more potential buyers else you could leave the name only in the description and again as a probable maker not a definitive.

Ultimately if you wish to sell as a Miller Brothers to Miller Brothers collectors I believe you will be taking a hit to value there as you lack any definitive proof at this time. If you wish to sell a quality antique knife you have a solid knife that should fit the general market value of such with only downside being a lack in knowing the age of the knife.
 
LastRodeo said:
Is this a knife you are considering purchasing or looking to sell?
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I own the knife I have posted, the worthpoint link was purely a reference point as I have found a similar knife for example purposes.

I don't intend to sell this knife but you never know, everything is for sale at some point. I was curious what people thought as far as calling this knife a Miller Brothers knife even though the blade was never stamped. It doesn't seem that there ever was a stamp to be ground off. The thickness of the tang seems original and there isn't any abrasive marks or anything.
 
North Shore said:
I own the knife I have posted, the worthpoint link was purely a reference point as I have found a similar knife for example purposes.

I don't intend to sell this knife but you never know, everything is for sale at some point. I was curious what people thought as far as calling this knife a Miller Brothers knife even though the blade was never stamped. It doesn't seem that there ever was a stamp to be ground off. The thickness of the tang seems original and there isn't any abrasive marks or anything.
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Okay thanks, I just wanted to make sure if I was offering advice, should I frame it from the perspective of buyer or seller.
 
North Shore said:
I own the knife I have posted, the worthpoint link was purely a reference point as I have found a similar knife for example purposes.

I don't intend to sell this knife but you never know, everything is for sale at some point. I was curious what people thought as far as calling this knife a Miller Brothers knife even though the blade was never stamped. It doesn't seem that there ever was a stamp to be ground off. The thickness of the tang seems original and there isn't any abrasive marks or anything.
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I'm afraid that knife is worthless, and you should send it to me for proper disposal. :p

Seriously though, I think as long as you honestly disclose everything you know (and don't know) about it, along with lots of pictures, it's up to the potential buyer to decide. I would assume it's worth less to a collector than it would be with a stamp.
 
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