"Old Knives"

Thank you, guys. Happy to help Jak3. Jeetza, I'm not sure if I've seen any modern knives exactly like this one... the Case Select peanut with the long pull might be close in size and shape. Toothpicks often have slender clip blades.
 
Not sure how to date this one, but I just LOVE the blade etch/stamp. Picked it up at the knife show yesterday. Bolsters, horn covers, nail-breaking snappy, checks all my boxes...

Coppel.jpg
 
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Cool knife, Glenn!
I can read "ALEXANDER" on the tang. Can you please show or tell us the rest?
Does it look like a Schrade-made knife?
 
Sure, it reads Alexander Coppel, Germany. It sure does look english though, with those Washington-style bolsters. I think Coppel was into ceremonial swords and such, haven't really done any digging yet.

coppel1.jpg
 
Forgive my ignorance but what is the significance of a steel pin? Why is it associated with German knives? Is it inferior or superior compared to other materials? I'm assuming you can usually tell if it's a steel pin because it doesn't match the bolster but does it really make any difference other than looks?
 
For many years most (not all) German pocket knives used steel pivot pins. I believe softer pins like nickel silver etc. were considered inferior. Indeed, if both were lubricated regularly and got equal use, steel would likely last longer. But it takes very frequent usage over years, to wear out any pin.
Nonetheless, it was a way , and still is, of identifying the likely manufacturing country of older pocket knives, say late 1800s to middle 1900s, or so.
 
Well thank you for that explanation sir. I've been trying to learn more about traditional knives because I truly love them and I hope that in my search I find more gems, like I've seen in yours and the others photos!!! I appreciate your help!
 
Glenn, as others have stated that is a great find! Those Washington style jacks are such beautiful knives.
 
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