Pocket Knives of the 1920's

[combatjiujitsu]

With Boardwalk Empire making its return tonight I was wondering what pocket knife options these fine gentleman would have the option to carry in their time?

 

[zerogee]

Pretty much anything and everything from a wide selection of the best manufacturers ever (sadly, many of which had closed their doors by 1935 or before). At the time there were many more patterns and variations available than we've seen in modern times (and by modern times, I mean since WW2). For example, Case in that era had many more patterns available than they do today and there were several competing makers of equal or greater quality that had just as many or more each. Of course, they didn't have the ridiculous bone colors of these days, but they had bone jigging quality and rich colors that we cannot really reproduce today - plus far better stag and superb mother of pearl and tortoise shell.

A couple of the most popular high end "gentlemen's" patterns were the three and four blade Orange Blossom patterns - in pearl especially (these were some of the most expensive production patterns of the day -- the Remington Bullets cost a lot less). Fine senator patterns (often 4 bladed) in pearl were also popular. Just about all these fine multibladed knives would include a manicure/file blade. The sizes for these fine knives were generally from 2 3/4" to 3 3/8" long closed.

 

[Rick]

A couple of the most popular high end "gentlemen's" patterns were the three and four blade Orange Blossom patterns - in pearl especially (these were some of the most expensive production patterns of the day -- the Remington Bullets cost a lot less).

I've always found it ironic that the iconic Remington Bullet series of knives are so desirable in today's collector market compared to top-of-the-line knives like the Orange Blossom. Especially when you consider that the Bullets were relatively cheap (and comparatively crude) utilitarian tools that originally cost between two and three bucks in the '20s and '30s, while the 10X more expensive Gent's knives were so much more finely made, with better materials, F&F, gift boxing and attention to the smallest detail. The large knives make for a more impressive display--probably the primary reason for their greater popularity--but Remington really pulled out all the stops on their small premium patterns. Personally, I'll take an elegant pearl whittler over a Bullet Trapper any day for aesthetics, but I'm definitely in the minority, based on collector value and demand.

 

[jackknife]

Many years ago, a friend of Karen's inherited a house left to her by her very old Uncle Lew. Nice house back in the woods. Cleaning out his desk, Renee found a small pen knife that was her Uncles, and asked me look at it. It was a small Remington in a senator type of pattern, with the most beautiful pearl scales I'd ever seen on something that was not made in Sheffield. The two blades that pivoted at opposite ends were almost black with aged patina, but mostly there. It had a bail to attach to a watch chain or something. She remembered seeing Uncle Lew use it when she was a little girl. I gently touched up the blades, and they took a finger print grabbing edge with no trouble. Very exquisite little knife, and the classiest little thing I'd seen in a very long time.

The pocket knives Nucky would have had available to him would most of the modern stuff to shame.

Or he may even have had a Schrade two blade push button in his vest pocket.

Carl.

 

[combatjiujitsu]

Thanks for the info guys and Carl always has the best stories

 

[comoha]

These old Remington EO's are early 20' manufacture.

 

[Blues]

Gentlemen? On "Boardwalk Empire"? Nary a one...

These two are from the general period:

Winchester: 4" Premium Jack (Single Backspring)

[/QUOTE]


Russell: Barlow (3 3/8")

 

[ken erickson]

Lovely bone, both color and jigging on that Winchester. Thanks for sharing.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Very nice pieces.

I think that the large majority of them would have some push button knives. Looking at some pics online, I would be quite envious of them.

 

[mqqn]

Hi folks -

Here is a Roberson that is dated (based on the tang stamp) from 1917 to 1939.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[waynorth]

Some very beautiful knives are being posted here. I like this thread, as it paints a knifely picture of how things might have looked in peoples' pockets "back then"!
I've been told by knowledgeable Case collectors that this square-bolstered Barlow was from early in the Case Tested period, likely placing it in the 1920s.

 

[nifbuf]

I also like this thread. The pearl multi-blade line caught my eye. Here are two Schatt & Morgan, both with manicure blades. Check out the factory file work ion the four blade - they were listed in the 1908 catalog for $36/doz., the whittler for $15.75/doz. Them were the days.

 

[ASBOB]

As noted, these are mostly knives for the middle class or above. Any sense of what an urban workman would have carriied back then?

My thanks.

 

[Blues]

As noted, these are mostly knives for the middle class or above. Any sense of what an urban workman would have carriied back then?

My thanks.

I can definitely see some workingmen of the period carrying one of these Robeson Harness Jacks which derives from the period...(as well as the two examples I listed earlier}.

Robeson: "Harness Jack" (1922-1939):

 

[waynorth]

That Robeson HJ is definitely a fairly plain working knife. The Barlow before it, even with its square bolsters, was a fairly inexpensive knife also. I'm convinced that the knife companies put their catchy logos on the Barlow bolsters to aid in "bragging rights", and hence an inexpensive boost to knife sales.

 

[black mamba]

Check out the factory file work ion the four blade - they were listed in the 1908 catalog for $36/doz., the whittler for $15.75/doz. Them were the days.

True, but everything is relative. A Colt Peacemaker back then cost about $15, and the per capita income in the U.S. was only $500.
In 2010 the per capita income was over $24,000, making that $36/dozen cost $1,730 today.

P.S. -- And for you youngsters, my first Big Mac cost 49¢ + tax.

 

[combatjiujitsu]

Glad everyone likes the thread, and love seeing the old vintage knives

 

[Campbellclanman]

This is a fantastic Thread :thumbup:

 

[midnight flyer]

After cleaning out my parent's house to sell, I found one of my grandfather's knives he apparently carried in the 20's or 30s.

It was a KleenCut Barlow, so inexpensive it has steel bolsters. The scales are still sawcut bone, but they are worn almost smooth by two generations of pocket wear.

According to my Dad, Grandad wouldn't have paid more than a buck for any kind of work knife, so I would guess it's price at the time was somewhere around that.

Robert

 

[Beaver]

Wonderful thread. Thank you all for sharing.

Jay