Old John Primble Knives & Belknap Hardware History

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I wonder what was said during the Case and Primble argument. Beautiful knives here!
 
Hey all

I found this carving set in the bins at the thrift store for 50 cents per piece. I purchased it primarily because of the sterling accents.

The only thing visible is a mostly worn off 'Primble' and a faint shield matching this brand right before it on the knife blade. Even with my macro lens I don't think I could capture a picture of the writing, it's too faint.

I love learning the history of stuff so if anyone has a time period/details for these I would love it! Some google searches led me to this forum and it seems like the most knowledgeable place.

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Without any legible stamp, it is extremely difficult to date these kitchen tools. During the India Steel Works period (1890-1940), this type of handle was used on some of the Primble cutlery. I would guess these came from that period, but, just a guess. Love the patina and overall look of them ! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:😍
 
Primble said:
Without any legible stamp, it is extremely difficult to date these kitchen tools. During the India Steel Works period (1890-1940), this type of handle was used on some of the Primble cutlery. I would guess these came from that period, but, just a guess. Love the patina and overall look of them ! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:😍
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Thank you so much!

Here is a photo of the only other set that I could find on the internet, it is nearly identical. Maybe this tells more detail? This is the outline of what I can see on mine.

Also, would the antler used for the handle be real or fake? I don't know how to tell.

hCuN4Mk.jpg
 
I can see the blade stamp says:
John Primble
Goods of Honor
Trade Mark

The blade stamps are not like a tang stamp on a folding knife and they used this blade stamp frequently. All that I can see points toward the India Steel Works era and the blackened stag is likely real.

I don't think you can come any closer to knowing the time period for sure. As I said, it is a guesstimate, based on my following of the brand. It could be from the 1940-1968 period, but, I doubt that.

😊
 
Augie said:
Missed this one Rob, what a beautiful knife, I would think Schrade made but the bone is throwing me off.
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Pretty sure it was made by Schrade for Belknap hardware. Thanks Augie ! 😊 ...................... but it sure ain't no Battle Axe Barlow, that one being off the charts.😊
 
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I remember John Primble knives being sold by our local Western Auto hardware store in the early 60's. As a kid I bought a little pony jack and Texas Toothpick/Fish Knife out of the display. I promptly broke the small blade on the pony but the fish knife cleaned a lot of bluegill through my teens. Not sure what ever happened to it.
 
Primble said:
Pretty sure it was made by Schrade for Belknap hardware. Thanks Augie ! 😊 ...................... but it sure ain't no Battle Axe Barlow, that one being off the charts.😊
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Rob, beautiful Primble pocketknife! I agree with you, it has to be a Schrade. Look at this Schrade-Walden 294 in my collection - (mine either didn't get the dark color handles yours has or lost it over time) but it appears only lightly used - blades, shield, and peach-seed jigging all match your knife. OH
Schrade-Walden_294.jpg
 
Primble said:
I can see the blade stamp says:
John Primble
Goods of Honor
Trade Mark

The blade stamps are not like a tang stamp on a folding knife and they used this blade stamp frequently. All that I can see points toward the India Steel Works era and the blackened stag is likely real.

I don't think you can come any closer to knowing the time period for sure. As I said, it is a guesstimate, based on my following of the brand. It could be from the 1940-1968 period, but, I doubt that.

😊
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Following up on this, I finally got time to clean it off. I found this stamped on the stand for the carving fork. Any details? All I can recognize is 1886.

OufpxLD.jpg
 
Rufus1949 said:
My first stumble into the Primble rabbit hole. I hope someone could give me some direction as to age,etc. I have searched but realize the difficulty of identification.View attachment 2068833View attachment 2068834
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1940 to 1968 was when that tang stamp was used Mr. R. 😊 :thumbsup: 😍
The John Primble India Steelworks tang stamp was used from 1890 to 1940.
The Louisville and Maysville tang stamps were made after Belknap Hardware closed and others bought the name.
 
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