Lincoln's knife

[hamsco]

In an article about what a president carries in his pockets, they have a picture of this knife, for Abraham Lincoln.
Now in the possession of the Library of Congress.


"Consider, for example, what President Abraham Lincoln had in his possession when he passed the threshold of Ford’s Theater on his way to his rendezvous with fate on April 14, 1865: The only currency in Lincoln’s pockets that night was a $5 bill – in Confederate currency.

Historians at the Library of Congress, which guards his personal effects, note that Richmond had fallen days earlier, and they think that the money was a souvenir.In addition to Lincoln’s wallet – brown leather, with a purple silk lining – the slain president also carried a linen handkerchief, on

which “A. Lincoln” was stenciled in red; two pairs of eyeglasses; a watch fob, some newspaper clippings and a six-blade silver pocketknife with an ivory casing."

 

[Vaporstang]

That's cool! Thanks for sharing. I'd like to see more pics and details of that knife.

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Sextant's photo but I believe the 2013 forum knife was based on Lincoln's knife was it not?

 

[hamsco]

Of course Blade Forums is way ahead of me......


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...oln-s-congress-knife-replica-in-the-new-movie

But here is a nice stag dagger used by John Wilkes Booth.

 

[screened porch]

No watch with that watch fob?

 

[hamsco]

He did not have a watch in his pocket's on that night.

 

[knarfeng]

Sextant's photo but I believe the 2013 forum knife was based on Lincoln's knife was it not?

It was not.
The 2013 forum knife was a "Congress Jack". Only two blades and both at the same end.

 

[Vaporstang]

He did not have a watch in his pocket's on that night.



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Thanks for posting

 

[Ryouchijtx]

It was not.
The 2013 forum knife was a "Congress Jack". Only two blades and both at the same end.

Sorry Frank, realised it was a 6 blade Congress soon after

 

[Ernie1980]

Nice knife. Since we are talking about presidential knives, we should mention the Eisenhower pen knife! I don't have one-yet- but am currently bidding on one in the bay

 

[knowtracks]

He did not have a watch in his pocket's on that night.



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I ordered one of those "reproduction" Lincoln knives. It was terrible :thumbdn: I sent it back. Rough Riders are better knives than that thing was!
I do NOT recommend getting one. It's to bad too because I really liked the idea and for the $ they charged I expected a decent congress.......but


Dave

 

[Vaporstang]

He did not have a watch in his pocket's on that night.



View attachment 607373


I ordered one of those "reproduction" Lincoln knives. I was terrible :thumbdn: I sent it back. Rough Riders are better knives than that thing was!
I do NOT recommend getting one. It's to bad too because I really liked the idea and for the $ they charged I expected a decent congress.......but


Dave

Thanks for the heads up! I thought it was a cool idea too - too bad the quality sucks.

 

[Sonnemann]

I wish GEC made a 6-blader on their square congress frame It would be cool to see them put out their first manicure blade as well

 

[Will Power]

I think this theme has been discussed before, but as far as I know nobody has mentioned who the maker of Lincoln's knife is? Would be very interesting if the museum could shed light on this, I would not be surprised if it were German or English.

Thanks, Will

 

[Arathol]

Its marked William Gilchrist’s Celebrated Razor Steel. Gilchrist appears to be an importer/retailer rather than the actual maker though.

 

[Will Power]

Thanks for that info, very interesting.

 

[r redden]

Very interesting history in this thread. Thanks for posting hamsco.

 

[Bob W]

I ordered one of those "reproduction" Lincoln knives. It was terrible :thumbdn: I sent it back. Rough Riders are better knives than that thing was!
I do NOT recommend getting one. It's to bad too because I really liked the idea and for the $ they charged I expected a decent congress.......but


Dave

Maybe Abraham Lincoln carried a POS knife and they were only trying to stay authentic?

I doubt anyone here has ever checked the original for blade wobble.