Q: When did the first Shield appear in the handle of a traditional knife?

[JoKr]

Q: When did the first Shield appear in the handle of a traditional (serial) knife?

(pic just for attention)

 

[afishhunter]

I'll guess before long before 1886. Possibly pre-Civil War.
From the https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/vintage-knife-catalogs-ads-images-links-only.755317/ thread

Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett, 1886

Maher & Grosh, 1887

 

[Elgatodeacero]

I love the old catalogs, and ad copy:

For the 59 - “That large class of idiots who worship everything English would think this knife cheap at $1.50 if it had been imported……..”

 

[Will Power]

The Steamboat Arabia sank in Sept 1856 and took its 200 tonne cargo with it. Around 1988 the wreck was found submerged under a Cornfield, water pumped out and it was painstakingly 'exhumed' as it had submerged in anaerobic conditions much of its cargo was in astonishingly good order. It provides a window into the trade world of ante-bellum America: glassware, ceramics, clothing, boots, tools, firearms of various types, foods still preserved in jars and you guessed it POCKET-KNIVES

Lot of them as they were popular items and many still in a decent state, sizes and patterns vary but some certainly have shields - likely the more expensive types.




So we know they were around in the 1850s but I would guess they emerged in the 1830s as Sheffield began to burgeon. Initially, they may have been for engraving the owner's initials or name-- hand engraving was a fine art that quite common until the late c20th. Later, they became evidence of a cutler's art or skill and became more ornate and decorative.

However, they may well have existed even in the c18th but likely very rare.

 

[EngrSorenson]

I bet @waynorth would know!
(Might have ordered it for the Blade Pen Pals Traditional Pen Pal Knife, 1836)

 

[Rookie82]

I wouldn't be surprised if they started even in the 1700's, but it's hard to verify something like that. There wasn't really much form of paper advertising going back that far.

 

[Will Power]

@Rookie82 Yes, agreed. Until mass circulation newspapers & literacy got going around mid c19th advertising and catalogues would've been for niche or luxury items, or people simply looked at windows or vendor's street barrows.

Museums may be a source of reference here but given the anti-knife cult I suspect a lot of museums fail to display their collections, another negative aspect of media induced group-think. Plus, pocket-knives often lead a dirty dangerous life and many simply got wrecked or thrown out after a few years meaning examples are really scarce. The picture I showed of the Arabia haul was not very good quality, there are better ones online but was unable to post them for some reason last night, but you get a good idea.

 

[screened porch]

If I had dug up the steamship Arabia, those knives would be in my pockets.

Levine might know.

 

[Jack Black]

I recommend Simon Moore's book Cutlery For The Table: A History of British Table and Pocket Cutlery. His exhaustive research pins down many details like this

 

[Will Power]

If I had dug up the steamship Arabia, those knives would be in my pockets.

Levine might know.

You'd need to wear multiple layers of clothing at once, Michelin Man look

BRL would likely know the answer to this or have a connexion to it. Sadly, he seems not to post these days so it seems likely that the years have overrun him. Pity as his knowledge is impressive, I found him not to be the ogre many claimed he was, he simply dislikes vapid chit-chat and faux expertise.

 

[screened porch]

You'd need to wear multiple layers of clothing at once, Michelin Man look

BRL would likely know the answer to this or have a connexion to it. Sadly, he seems not to post these days so it seems likely that the years have overrun him. Pity as his knowledge is impressive, I found him not to be the ogre many claimed he was, he simply dislikes vapid chit-chat and faux expertise.

And I'd want to stay away from deep water.

 

[GaiusJulius]

I had the privilege to tour the Arabia museum a few years ago. It was fascinating. I need to go back and do it again.