Need some friendly advice on a rummage sale find!

[Gearhead22]

Found this little gem at Rummage sale the other day. The lady only wanted a couple bucks for it so I couldn't pass it up

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I know that it's fairly old and has seen some use based on the rust, patina, and old style can opener. As well as the fact that it looks to be missing the bail that it originally had. It would also seem that it was treated relatively nicely being that the blade still has a decent edge and the handle scales aren't cracked. I can't find any markings indicating manufacturer, type of steel, or where it was made. It looks like there could be some markings on the base of the blade, but it's not visible through the rust. For being so small, It does still have some weight to it, which leads me to believe its made with some kind of quality. Kind of reminiscent of a case peanut actually.
Anything after that however, I'm not sure of. You guys are the experts, so I was wondering if anyone here could help me to identify the maker or how old it might be. I'm not anticipating much value in it, but regardless of value I love how much character this little knife has, and i think I'll edc it for awhile.
Also I was wondering what would be the best way to go about cleaning the rust off/oiling it, without removing the patina? Or of there's any way to put a new bail on?

Thanks for reading, and any responses.
-Tyler

 

[black mamba]

The handle covers are almost certainly celluloid which is gassing out, hence the rust everywhere, especially at the shrink gaps at the bolsters. Don't store it near anything that you don't want rusted.

 

[screened porch]

I would guess Imperial or Colonial. Or Hammer Brand, which is also Imperial.
I would oil it with whatever you've got, and steel-wool off the red active rust, and that's about it. Nice little knife.

 

[Pipeman]

Take the celluloid off the handles, it's just like paper. As Black Mamba said, the celluloid is off gassing which rots the steel and will rot the steel of other carbon knives close by. Use mineral oil and a softish cloth to stop the rust. You could clean it up with steel wool if you wanted to. You could try bending a nail into a new bail, the original was just bent into the holes. Under the celluloid is a pressed steel handle.

Best regards

Robin