Need help identifying two old knives

J

Jim Bob

Joined
Apr 16, 2019
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60
I was wondering if anyone has a clue what brand these two are and what time frame they may have been made in. The one on the left has USA stamped on the tang. They are only about an inch to an inch and a half long. They belonged to my wife’s grandparents .Any info. would be appreciated!

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The larger one is definitely a shell handled knife (Elosi patent), used by many manufacturers for inexpensive knives. In the US, Imperial made them by the millions. Probably 1930s-1950s. The smaller one is probably about the same age.
 
Colonial and Novelty Knife Co. (also US companies way back when. I don't know if they still are.) also made lots of shell handle knives, so they would be another contender.
With just "MADE IN USA" on the tangs, I don't know of any way to narrow down who made it, or to date it, other than "propbably" in the late 1940's to early/mid 1960's(?) time frame.
My guess is Novelty Knife Co. might maybe could possibly be responsible for them. I think they made itty bitty knives like those, more than Imperial and Colonial did.
 
I would guess imperial for the top one and probably novelty knife for for the bottom one

Imperial made similar small knives just stamped U.S.A, but the blade doesn't really look imperial to me.
 
The larger knife is almost certainly an Imperial Hammer Brand shell handled knife.
The smaller USA marked knife with the integral chain loop was most likely made by Colonial.
Both would be 1950s / early 60s best guess...
 
I think Imperial is most likely for the larger one, it might be good call for the smaller one as well. I've seen before Imperial knives signed U.S.A
Mike
 
Key chain fob knives. Imperial/Hammer brand most likely made the larger knife or both. 1940-1960s.

n2s
 
Ideal might be a possibility for the little one.
Colonial is a USA knife company again, rather than "still", I believe; revived by a member of the original family.
 
Interesting info.! You guys are a wealth of knowledge! These are probably not anything of high value but will add a bit of interest to my small but growing collection, and of course have sentimental value to my wife. Thanks!
 
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