"Old Knives"

[67nick]

Wow Duncan that is a beauty! The craftsmanship really shines through and the pattern seems very unique, almost like a custom congress pattern. What a great piece!!!

 

[67nick]

Here is my of my personal favorites in my collection, it's kind of like a cross between a sway back and a congress jack. This one has great bone covers and an extra long sheepsfoot main with a nice longpull. It's the only piece I have from the maker, Caldwell Mfg Co Indianapolis. The Caldwell Manufacturing Co, was listed in the Indianapolis City directory in the early 1900’s. A.B. Caldwell worked for the Van Camp Hardware Company. An advertisement for Van Camp in 1914 listed Caldwell Cutlery. The company was in existence from 1910-1929.

 

[Gevonovich]

Exquisite, Nick!!! Love your backdrop too!

 

[smiling-knife]

More great old knives guys. Well photo'd too. Thanks for posting them.

 

[Primble]

Here is my of my personal favorites in my collection, it's kind of like a cross between a sway back and a congress jack.

I can see why it is a favorite Nick - just a superb knife in every way!!! The jigged bone and shield are stunning. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Campbellclanman]

Thank you for the kind comments Nick - Oh Man...that Caldwell is just a Stunner!! Everything about it is just beautiful! Like Gev said, that wood looks awesome!

 

[67nick]

Thanks for the positive feedback gents! I try to use that backdrop in the mornings, the early sunshine brings out the details in it. It's also my living room coffee table so it's a convenience thing too, lol!

 

[Jack Black]

Those are superb knives guys :thumbup:

 

[knowtracks]

Beauties Duncan and Nick!! :thumbup:


Dave

 

[ptradeco]

A company that had escaped me until recently was the John Pritzlaff Hardware Co. of Milwaukee, WI. The company was in business from 1850-1958. They were very similar to the E.C Simmons and Shapleigh hardware companies in that they sold just about anything you could imagine for farm and home. Their cutlery department was similar it appears to those two as well. They had a cutlery brand named Everkeen much like Keen Kutter and Diamond edge to the above mentioned companies. While there is much information about the latter two it is very difficult to dig up any information on Everkeen. Whoever they contracted with was a higher end maker. These knives all exude quality and were not inexpensive by any means when compared to others of the day. Any information about Everkeen and who made the knives would be greatly appreciated.

All of these, except the Whittler, appear in a 1934 catalog I have along with the prices I state.

Theses first two pictures are of the tang stamps. Different contractor, different stamp? All blades on all knives bear one of these. The etch appears on all of the master blades as well.

The knives:

2 3/4" Pen

A cellulid pattern/colors I do not recall ever seeing. $16 per doz.

3 1/2" Jack

Exceptionally nice honey and molasses covers. $24 per doz.

3 1/4" Pen

Horn over white celluloid (taken directly from a catalog). Another cover material/combination I do not recall ever seeing. This knife appears unused. $16 per doz.

3" Whittler

The waterfall celluloid covers are embossed with Ten Club on the mark side and Waterford on the pile side. Some sort of club, association, or advertising knife possibly. Any info on this would be appreciated. Exceptionally well constructed. A wonderful little Whittler in all regards. It also appears unused.

3 1/8" Lobster

A fabulous little knife. Super high quality with lots of fire in the pearl and coined liner. $60 per doz. This being the most expensive knife in the catalog.

 

[67nick]

Wow, beauties one and all Brad! I'm a collector of whittlers though so I gotta say that one is my favorite. Very cool historical background too, I've heard of Pritzlaff before but I don't think I've ever seen an Everkeen. Very cool! :thumbup:

 

[black mamba]

Some really great stuff here today, boys! The bone on the Caldwell is about as good as it gets.

 

[knowtracks]

Brad those are EXTRA nice!:thumbup:
That honey and mooooo


Dave

 

[Chris Montgomery]

Some really great stuff here today, boys! The bone on the Caldwell is about as good as it gets.

Could not agree more. That's a true beauty nick.

Chris

 

[Gevonovich]

Beautiful collection, Brad! Thank you for sharing them

 

[singin50]

All fantastic examples, Duncan, Nick and Brad! That striped cell sends me!

 

[Campbellclanman]

Cheers Perry

Brad Sir - your old knives are just great - I am loving the change in your collecting - you have ALWAYS had remarkable taste in knives - that Butter and Molasses is just simply mouth watering - Bring it to me!!!

 

[Jack Black]

Fantastic line-up Brad :thumbup:

 

[Augie]

Some very nice old knives posted in the last few days.

 

[ptradeco]

Thanks for all the nice comments on the Pritzlaff knives. Much appreciated fellas. They have been difficult to come by.