Imperial England?

[LeatherMan64]

This thing kinda confuses me. I've heard about Irish manufacture and now, thanks to Bob W, Mexican and German production, but never heard tell of an English made Imperial. Any general info on Imperial England would be much appreciated.

 

[Codger_64]

This is a marking used from c. 1980 thru the early '90's. Phil Gibbs, former design engineer from Camillus may be able to give the best explanation. Imperal gained control of two firms in England circa 1977.

 

[Bob W]

I see you found our little quiet corner of the internet. Shhh, don't tell anyone we're here.

 

[Phil Gibbs]

I've got nothing Codger!
I am only familiar with the Camillus/Schrade/Wostenholm connection.

That knife looks like a "wrap style" construction.
I am unaware if Imperial had a project with Richards?

Frankly it seems pretty odd to me!

 

[Codger_64]

Yes, they acquired Richards at the same time as Wostenholm, c. 1977. Thanks for checking in with us though!

 

[LeatherMan64]

Thanks Codger, glad that somebody knew what the marking was, as I can't seem to dig up an identical stamp anywhere on the interwebs. It is indeed a wrapped handle, interestingly the jigging is in the plastic cover material itself, the metal underneath is smooth. And @ Bob- no worries. It's very quiet and cornerly, I'd be ashamed to be the one to let the secret out