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Vintage 1922-1939 Robeson 622359 pen knife. 3 1/8" closed. "Swell center" would better follow the book terminology but Case's modern description of "humpack" is probably more widely recognized as having a swell center on only one side instead of both sides. Beautiful "Roger's Indian Trail" jigged bone or sometimes called by the collector term "worm groove".
Has been cleaned by a prior owner so that the blades are shiny. There is a lot of confusion about "cleaned" (resurfaced) and original finishes. Probably around 99% of the old knives that are shiny on the internet get described as "new" or "mint" or "unused" when they are actually "cleaned". It is incorrect and misleading. "Cleaning" rather than preserving has become the norm. Even the knives of the Case museum have been cleaned. Some knives should be preserved in my opinion. But "cleaning" knives is not necessarily bad and sometimes it may be necessary if the knife will be used. But I think it is unfortunate that accurate descriptions of condition are not common. I hope I have helped clarify a bit.
The knife has excellent walk and talk. Has some slight side to side play. It is not uncommon on knives with tip bolsters, especially after buffing. I tend to leave old knives as is and it is within a tolerable range for me but it could be tightened up by someone with the skill and the desire.
I guarantee that the knife authentic aside from the "cleaning". But the mark side of the spear blade is double stamped with both the brand and the pattern number. The double stamp is a neat example of a factory error. (see last photo). The pile side is just stamped with the pattern number. The pen blade is stamped with the brand.
It's a beautiful knife and would be an excellent user or collectible. Bargain price. $65 shipped in USA only
Vintage 1922-1939 Robeson 622359 pen knife. 3 1/8" closed. "Swell center" would better follow the book terminology but Case's modern description of "humpack" is probably more widely recognized as having a swell center on only one side instead of both sides. Beautiful "Roger's Indian Trail" jigged bone or sometimes called by the collector term "worm groove".
Has been cleaned by a prior owner so that the blades are shiny. There is a lot of confusion about "cleaned" (resurfaced) and original finishes. Probably around 99% of the old knives that are shiny on the internet get described as "new" or "mint" or "unused" when they are actually "cleaned". It is incorrect and misleading. "Cleaning" rather than preserving has become the norm. Even the knives of the Case museum have been cleaned. Some knives should be preserved in my opinion. But "cleaning" knives is not necessarily bad and sometimes it may be necessary if the knife will be used. But I think it is unfortunate that accurate descriptions of condition are not common. I hope I have helped clarify a bit.
The knife has excellent walk and talk. Has some slight side to side play. It is not uncommon on knives with tip bolsters, especially after buffing. I tend to leave old knives as is and it is within a tolerable range for me but it could be tightened up by someone with the skill and the desire.
I guarantee that the knife authentic aside from the "cleaning". But the mark side of the spear blade is double stamped with both the brand and the pattern number. The double stamp is a neat example of a factory error. (see last photo). The pile side is just stamped with the pattern number. The pen blade is stamped with the brand.
It's a beautiful knife and would be an excellent user or collectible. Bargain price. $65 shipped in USA only
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