Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings, Second Edition (1998) by John and Charlotte Goins
FOREWORD
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
This book was written with knife or razor collectors in mind. We have attemped to provide all the available information on each manufacturer or dealer. “Goins’ Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings” is the product of over thirty years of research. This is the fifth book I have published on the history of knife and razor makers. Each book has been an update of the previous books. This edition has many new markings listed, as well as updated and more thorough histories on many makers and dealers. I wish to thank the many collectors and dealers who have gone out of their way to help me with new names–especially Richard Winnick who has sent me hundreds of new names. Special thanks also go to Franz Keifer, Herman Schulz, Dick Pucci, and Mark Zalesky for some of the photos used in this book. It is to our regret that we could not finish the book before the death of Dick Pucci who photographed the cover of this book.
A new dating idea has been incorporated into this book, used on markings for which no information is available. I have used my thirty-plus years of examining knives and razors to date the examples I have seen by using the following method: 1. style or pattern; 2. quality of construction; 3. materials used in the knife; 4. methods used in manufacturing the piece. These dates are preceded with a “g”. Although I feel that these dates are fairly accurate, I have NO factual data to back them up. Therefore, they are estimated dates, and should only be used to date a knife or razor to a specific time period; i.e. 1850-1875, 1900-1920, 1920-1940, and so forth. Dates preceded with a “c” (circa) are based on facts as we have found them.
Unlike previous books, Bowie knife makers have been incorporated into this book without division. They are identified as “Bowie” knife makers or “Bowie-type” knife makers.
John Goins
TRADE AAA1 MARK
(1886)
ABS (inside a rectangle) c 1920-1925 A trademark used by the Atlanta Barber Supply.
ACCO ATLANTA c 1970
A.C. CO. S & STL
A.C.D. & CO. CLARKSBURG W.VA. g 1900-1920
A C S (balance scales) g 1890-1910 All enclosed inside an oval.
A & F CO. c 1900-1977 “Stainless Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. Abercrombie & Fitch was located in New York City. They dealt in all types of sporting goods, using the marking “A F.” Ezra H. Finch was President of the firm in 1916.
(1900)
A F S & CO. c 1883 A marking used by A.F. Shapleigh.
A & G #21 “Germany” is marked on the back of the tang.
AHI CO. ALBANY N.Y. g 1920-1940 “Beverwyck No. 10 Germany” is stamped on the front of the tang.
A I C g 1910-1930 A marking used by Allegheny Instrument Corporation, Allegheny, New York.
A K & B g 1875-1900 A marking used by A. Kastor and Brothers.
A & K c 1970 “Stainless” is stamped on the back of the tang.
A & K SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1970 “Klaas” inside a crown is stamped on the back of the tang.
A.M.C. TRADEMARK NASHVILLE g 1950-1970
A & N CSL
A.P.S. GERMANY
A.P. CO. NEW YORK
A.R. CO. g 1910-1930 “Extra Hollow Ground” is stamped on the back of the tang. A marking used by the American Razor Company.
1837 A.S. CO. WORLD BRANDT
A S ENGLISH STEEL MADE IN GERMANY g 1875-1900 A picture of George Washington and the Marquis Lafayette is etched on the blade.
A.S.J. CO. Stamped out on the blade.
A & T PARIS
A.W. CUTLERY GERMANY g 1900-1920
A.W.P. & CO. SAN FRANCISCO
ABBOLID c 1933 1933 World’s Fair knife.
ABBOT
J.M. ABBOT & CO. c 1860 Abbot was located in Welchville (Oxford), Maine. They were known for making shoemaker’s knives. However, a folding Bowie has also been noted. It had a winged horse on the bolster. “Thyme” was stamped inside the outline of the horse, and below the horse was “Of The Best Quality.”
LEVI ABBOT c 1860 A marking used by J.M. Abbot and Company.
R.T. ABBOT
T.T. ABBOT
J.W. ABLETT current These knives are sold in Canada.
G.D. ABRAMS & SON WAYLAND N.Y. g 1920-1940 “Super Wedge Shop Work” is stamped on the front of the tang.
G.D. ABRAMS & SON WAYLAND N.Y g 1920-1940 “Blue Bird” is etched on the main blade.
BLUE BIRD
ABS (inside a rectangle) c 1920-1925 A trademark used by the Atlanta Barber Supply.
ACADEMY AWARD c 1946-1948
ACADEMY AWARD
(1946)
ACCO ATLANTA c 1970
A.C. CO. S & STL
A.C.D. & CO. CLARKSBURG W.VA. g 1920-1940
ACE g 1910-1930 “Bauer Mfg. Co. San Francisco Cal.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ACE g 1910-1930 “Burlington B.S. House Burlington Iowa” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ACE CUTLERY CO. FREMONT OHIO g 1920-1930
ACIER FONDU French for “cast steel.”
ACKMANCHER STAINLESS MADE IN ITALY g 1950-1960 A switch-blade knife.
A.C.M. COMPANY MARINETTE WISC c 1912-1950
A.C. MFG. CO. MARINETTE WISC c 1912-1950
ACME c 1884-1928 A trademark used by F. Westfal.
(1884)
ACME KNIFE CO. c 1919 This firm made pocket knives in Walden, New York. They manufactured an all metal knife that was the invention of Herbert Taylor. R.T. Hume was President, and A.B. Garrison, Secretary and Treasurer.
AD KNIFE MADE IN USA
CHARLES ADAMS CO. ROCHESTER N.Y. c 1889-1957 Located at 36 Front Street, Rochester, New York. They were at the same location throughout their entire existence. Barber supplies were their specialty.
JOSEPH H. ADAMS c 1846-1860 This firm was at 283 Pearl Street, New York City, New York.
ADAMS & BROS. “The Boy of America” is on the handles.
ADAMS & SONS
CHAS. W. ADAR & CO. g 1920-1940 “King” is stamped on the front of the tang.
ADELL MFG. CO. INC. ORANGE MASS. g 1920-1940
ADMIRATION c 1919-1921 A trademark used by E. Morris.
ADOLPHUS CUTLERY CO. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1882-1891 A trademark used by A.J. Jordan.
ADOLPHUS CUTLERY CO. GERMANY c 1882-1891 A trademark used by A.J. Jordan.
THE ADOLPHUS CUTLERY CO.
(1882)
ADRIANSTOCK GERMANY g 1920-1950
ADUE-BLAINE HARDWARE CO. g 1900-1930
ADV. KNIFE CO. “Pat’d May 1884” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ADV. NOVELTY CO. CHICAGO GERMANY g 1910-1940
AEQUATOR SOLINGEN g 1945-1960
AERIAL CUTLERY MFG. CO. DULUTH c 1909-1912 This firm moved to Marinette, Wisconsin in 1912..
AERIAL CUTLERY CO. MARINETTE WISC c 1912-1950 Aerial Cutlery Company was one of the early companies that produced transparent knives, “picture knives,” to collectors. Aerial started in Duluth, Minnesota in 1909, and was founded by Thomas Madden, Chris, Richard, and Fred Jaeger. The company employed 186 men in the Duluth operation. In 1912, the firm purchased the Morris Cutlery Company of Morris, Illinois, and then relocated to Marinette, Wisconsin.
Pocket knives and other cutlery were the firm’s main source of income through WW1. By 1925, the firm added barber and beauty supplies. Eventually, pocket knives were phased out. By the late 1940’s, only a few patterns were being manufactured. Many of Aerial’s knives were made by other cutlery manufacturers, and delivered to them as skeleton knives (without scales). Aerial cutlers then placed picture handle scales on them. Several thousand of these knives were discovered in a warehouse in the early 1970’s. These knives were all in mint condition. Some of these knives were used to counterfeit other knives, Winchester in particular.
(1924)
Aerial Cutlery box label, c 1925.
AERO g 1910-1940 “Phillips Medical Co. Omaha Nebr.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
A & G #21 “Germany” is marked on the back of the tang.
AGARD HDWE. CO. TORRINGTON CONN. g 1875-1900
AGATE WOOD c 1945-1946 A trademark used by Utica Cutlery.
(1945)
ERNST G. AHRENS g 1910-1930 “Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
AINSLIE-MARTIN CO. LYNCHBURG VA. c 1900-1922 This hardware firm began operation in 1900. The store was at 9115 Main Street. Peter Ainslie and R. D. Martin were the proprietors. The company went out of business in 1922.
AITOR INOX SPAIN c 1939-present Makers of switch-blade knives as well as other types of pocket and hunting knives. A trademark used by Izaguirre Brothers.
AJANO WARRANTED g 1945-1960 “Ajano” (inside a diamond) is stamped on the back of the tang. “Made in Germany” is stamped on the small blade.
AKERS BRITTON CO. INDIANAPOLIS IND. c 1925 (the marking is on the back of the tang) “Indiana” is stamped on the front of the tang. Akers was at 232 N. Illinois Street. The name was changed to C.R. Akers in 1930. They dealt in barber supplies
C.R. AKERS CO. c 1930-1935
AKER’S WINNER c 1930-1935 “C.R. Akers Co. Indianapolis, Ind. Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. Located at 232 N.Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Akers dealt in barber supplies. Prior to 1930, they were Akers Britton Company, and they became Akers & Parrott Company in 1935.
AKRON CUTLERY CO. AKRON OHIO c 1911-1928
AKRON CUTLERY WORKS AKRON OHIO c 1911-1928
A 3 3/4″ single blade jack knife with wood handles,
marked “Akron Cutlery Works Akron.”
ALAMO JAPAN g 1950-1960
ALBECETE The name of a town in Spain.
ALBERT & MEYER BALTIMORE MD. g 1875-1900
(dog head) ALBERTSON CO. (curved) KANE PA. c 1930-1938
ALBERTSON CO. KANE PA. c 1930-1938 This company originated in 1906 as the Kane Cutlery Company. In the same year, the firm was sold to the Case Brothers Cutlery Company. The firm was re-organized in the fall of 1909 again as the Kane Cutlery Company.
The firm was sold in 1914 to H.H. Hollingsworth, and was re-named the Hollingsworth Knife Co. in 1916. It operated under that name until 1930 when the name changed to Albertson Company.
ALBIDON (and rudder depicted on the tang) g 1875-1890 A barrel and “Pradel Preres” is stamped on the blade.
ALBION CUTLERY g 1920-1940 The marking is stamped on the back of the tang. “F.W. Albrecht’s B.S. House Akron Oh.”, and “Blue Steel Made in Germany” is stamped on the front of the tang.
ALBION MFG. CO. c 1939 “Carbo-Electric” is etched on the blade. This firm was run by Albert and Martha Albion, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
CARBO-ELECTRIC
THE ALBRECHT BARBER SUPPLY & DRUG CO. AKRON OHIO g 1920-1940
JOHN ALBRIGHT c 1922-1927 Located at 516 Baltimore Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania. The main item of trade was straight razors. Albright used the trademark “Hanover.”
(1922)
ALCAS CUTLERY c 1948-present This firm is in Olean, New York. The company was started in 1948 by Alcoa Aluminium, and W.R. Case & Sons. This joint venture was originated to manufacture high quality cutlery as a companion to Alcoa’s cookware line. Actual production began in early 1949.
In 1951, they began using the trademark “Cutco.” In the mid 1960’s, Alcas began to manufacture folding knives on a small scale. These knives were made with private labeling, and some with the “Alcas” mark. In 1972, Alcoa bought out the W. R. Case interest. In 1996, Alcas purchased the “Kabar” trademark. The firm is still in business.
CutCo KaBar
(1951) (1996)
ALCOSO SOLINGEN c 1933-present A trademark used by Alexander Coppel.
ALDEN g 1950-1960
JOHN ALDEN c 1942-1954 A trademark used by Eisenstadt Manufacturing.
(1942)
ALEEN 27 STRAND g 1875-1890
ALERT c 1936-1937 A trademark used by Daniel Rider.
(1936)
ALEXANDER SHEFFIELD c 1850-1878 “N (shield) Y” is stamped on the blade of a bowie knife.
ALEXANDER SHEFFIELD c 1850-1878 R.H. Alexander is first listed in the New York City directory in 1850, under “Hardware & Cutlery, Importers of.” He was located at 88 Platt Street. In 1851, the firm was R.H. Alexander & Barton, and had moved to 88 John. In 1853, the firm moved to 6 Platt, where they stayed through 1860.
By 1868, the firm had become Barton, Alexander, and Waller, amd located at 68 Beekman Street. They were the sole agents for “Alexander’s Celebrated Cutlery.” In 1876, the firm was located at 101 and 103 Duane Street. The firm became Barton & Co. in 1878, successors to Barton, Alexander and Waller, located at 337 Broadway. They were still the sole agent for “Alexander’s Cutlery.”
This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
ALFRED & SON CELEBRATED CUTLERY g 1850-1875
AL’S SPECIAL g 1920-1940 “Al C. Halter Jackson Mich.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
A.N. ALFORD g 1921-1940 “Richard Allan & Co. Germany Stainless” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ALKI c 1903-1908 A trademark used by Whiton Hardware.
ALL TIME SPLENDID CUTLERY
R. ALLDEON MEMPHIS c 1860 A “Bowie” type knife, with four circles stamped on the back of the tang.
J. ALLDIS g 1875-1900
RICHARD ALLAN & CO. GERMANY STAINLESS
g 1921-1940 “A.N. Alford” is stamped on the front of the tang.
ALLEGANY INSTRUMENT CORP. ALLEGANY N.Y.
g 1920-1940
Excerpt from the American Cutler Magazine, Sept. 1920.
ALLEN CUTLERY CO. NEWBURGH NEW YORK
c 1917-1925 Founded in 1917, the company was incorporated with capital of $20,000. Benjamin Allen, H.M. Allen, and A.J. Fowler were the owners. Two new buildings were added to the plant, and modern machinery was installed. In August, 1920, Arthur Westerman assumed the position of plant manager. He had formerly been employed by a factory in Walden, New York.
The Hazelton-Knapp Distributing Co. of St. Louis, Missouri was the sole distributor of the knives made under Benjamin Allen’s patent. The output of the plant was 2,000 dozen per week. The firm went out of business in 1925, and Mr. Allen moved to New Jersey.
E.T. ALLEN S.F. c 1878-1899 Edward T. Allen was listed in the San Francisco city directory as a cutlery importer.
EDGAR ALLEN IMPERIAL STEEL WORKS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1870-present This trademark was used on all types of cutlery and tools. William Crosby was the director of the firm. The mark “LSD” was used by them in 1907, but had been used by several other firms between 1871 to 1907. “Minerva” was another trademark used by this company.
(1908) (1871)
JAMES ALLEN WARRANTED g 1850-1875
ALLEN CUTLERY SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1864-1953
JOSEPH ALLEN & SONS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1864-1953 Located at the Oak Works, 157 New Edward Street, Sheffield in 1889. They moved to the Ecclesal Works, Rockingham Street in 1891. Allen purchased the “NON-XLL” trademark from Unwin & Rodgers in 1884. Many of the trademarks used by this firm date back much earlier than 1864: rider and horse, first used in 1836, the heart and pistol, first used in 1827, was originally a Jonathan Crookes trademark.
This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(1884) (1880)
(1891) (1905)
JOSEPH SMITH & SONS
CELEBRATED RAZOR
(1953)
ALLENTOWN g 1860-1890
ALLENTOWN B.S. CO. ALLENTOWN PA. Marked on the back of the tang. “Shamrock” is marked on the front of the tang.
ALLENTOWN CUTLERY WORKS c 1862-1900 A marking used by C.F. Wolfertz & Company.
Trade card of C.F. Wolfertz & Co.
ALLEY BOSSIFF BROS. OLEAN N.Y. g 1911-1925 “Magnetic Steel” and a crown is etched on the blade. Contract razor made by Union Cutlery Company.
ALLEY BOSSIFF & BROS 2020 8TH AVE. ALTOONA PA.
g 1900-1925
ALLIANCE CUTLERY WORKS PHILA g 1875-1900
ALLIGATOR BRAND c 1939 A trademark used by the Florida Hardware Company, Jacksonville, Florida, at 16-20 E. Bay Street.
ALLIGATOR
Picture taken from a 1939 envelope.
ALLISON’S CELEBRATED RAZOR g 1820-1850
G(crown)R ALLISON c 1820-1830
ALLMAN SALEM g 1900-1920
ALLOWAY & BROS g 1900-1920
ALOISE GERMANY g 1920-1940
ALPACCA Old German tradename for German Silver.
ALPHA ENGLAND CUTLERY TO HIS MAJESTY
c 1853-1953 A trademark used by Harrison Brothers & Howson.
THE ALPHA RAZOR CO. CHICAGO ILL. g 1920-1940
FRANK ALSBERG ST. LOUIS MO. A.L.S.N. g 1920-1940
ALTENBACH SOLINGEN c 1920-??
PETER ALTENBACH & SOHNE c 1920- ?? Swanwerk, Solingen, Germany. (out of business in the 1990’s??)
SWANWERK
B. ALTMAN & CO. GERMANY g 1900-1915
N.J. ALUM CO. GERMANY c 1904
ALUMINUM GOODS MFG. CO. c 1910-1911 Located on Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Gustav A. Kruttschnitt was President. This firm dealt in all types of cutlery. They used the trademark “Aristo.”
(1910)
ALWIN g 1920-1935 “Ontario Cutlery Co. Geneva N.Y.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
J. AMBACHER PAT. APR 27, 1889 SANDUSKY O.
c 1869-1891 This firm was operated by Jacob Ambacher, a manufacturer of cutlery, and a dealer in guns and other items. They were at 146 Market Buildings, northeast corner of Market and Decatur. The knife seen with this marking is marked on the inside of the handle.
AMBASSADOR PROV. R.I. c 1951-present A trademark used by the Colonial Knife Company.
(1951)
AMBROSSMANN BOHLER EXTRA g 1920-1930
AMBRUM FRANCE g 1900-1920
A.M.C. TRADEMARK NASHVILLE g 1950-1970
AMCO-ROYAL CROWN INT. CORP. SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1945-1960
*AMEFA* (curved marking) g 1900-1910
AMEIKE and a three-leaf clover is stamped on the tang.
g 1875-1900
AMERICA c 1976 Bulldog pattern clasp knife sold by Parker-Frost.
AMERICAN ACE c 1919-1920 A trademark used by the New Jersey Knife Company. This marking was used for a very short time. In 1939, the trademark was the property of the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri. It is unknown if Simmons used this marking on pocket knives.
Excerpt from the American Cutlery Magazine, January, 1921.
AMERICA’S BEST c 1916-1962 A trademark used by the Moore-Handley Hardware, 19-27 South 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama.
AMERICA’S BEST
AMERICAN BLADE CUTLERY CO. c 1981-1990 A trademark used by Parker Cutlery.
THE BOY OF AMERICA c 1875-1941 A trademark used by J.Russell
Excerpt from c 1890 Markley-Alling Catalog
AMERICAN AUTOMATIC KNIFE & NOVELTY CO. BROOKLYN c 1892-1902 This firm was founded about 1892 by Bruno Von Bultzingslowen, Max Rodding, and Albert Weck.
These men all owned patents for different versions of a drop-blade knife. The knives are usually marked “Novelty” on the handle. Between the three of them, they owned six patents covering the novelty drop-blade knife.
Copy of an 1894 patent illustrating workings of the Novelty knife.
AMERICAN CUTLERY GERMANY g 1960-1980
AMERICAN CUTLERY JAPAN g 1960-1980
AMERICAN CUTLERY CO. c 1871 South Meriden, Connecticut.
AMERICAN CUTLERY CO. KEYPORT N.J. c 1901 The factory was occupied after 1901 by the Sherman Cutlery Company, a manufacturer of safety razors.
AMERICAN CUTLERY COMPANY c 1879-1928 This firm was at 177-187 Mather Street, Chicago, Illinois in the 1880’s. In 1896, Isaac Hirsch was President of the firm. By 1923, they were at 728-764 Mather, with Moses Hirsch President. In 1928, they changed their name to the “American Stainless Cutlery Company.” American made all types of cutlery. The pocket knives date pre-1900. “1865” was their trademark.
AMERICAN E.-C. CUTLERY g 1900-1920
AMERICAN HARDWARE & SUPPLY c 1911-1935 Located at 43 Terminal Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They dealt in all types of cutlery. “American Beauty” and a rose was their trademark.
(1911)
AMERICAN IMPORT CO. GERMANY g 1920-1950 “Arrow Brand” is stamped on the back of the tang.
AMERICAN KNIFE COMPANY PLYMOUTH c 1849-1875 Plymouth Hollow was the actual name of the town in which this firm was located.
A 3″ single blade boy’s knife, marked “AmericanKnife Co. Plymouth.”
The knife is of all steel construction, with Buffalo horn handles.
AMERICAN KNIFE COMPANY PLYMOUTH HOLLOW CONN. c 1849-1875
A 3¼” two-blade ladies knife, nickle silver handles with black
enamel and pearl inlays. Marked “American Knife Co. Plymouth.”
Excerpt from the 1851 Connecticut Business Directory.
AMERICAN KNIFE COMPANY THOMASTON c 1875-1895 “Amn. Knife Co.” is stamped on the small blade.
AM’N KNIFE CO. c 1875-1895 One small blade is marked “American Knife Co. Thomaston,” and the other small blade is marked “Am.’n Knife Co.”
A 3¼” two-blade pen knife, nickel silver bolsters, brass lined,
wood handles. Marked “American Knife Co. Thomaston.”
Straight razor with Buffalo horn handles, marked
“American Knife Co. Plymouth Hollow Conn.”
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. THOMASTON CONN. c 1875-1895 The American Knife Company was founded in 1849 at Reynolds Bridge, Connecticut (A section of Plymouth Hollow). The building was originally used as a carriage factory, and then a brass clock factory. The Morse & Blakeslee Clock Company, on what is now Reynolds Bridge Road, was sold to the American Knife Company for the manufacture of cutlery in 1849. Mr. Daniel Catlin was manager of the firm.
In 1875, the name of the town was changed to Thomaston. In 1894, the factory at Reynolds Bridge was sold to the Northfield Knife Company of Northfield, Connecticut. Both the American and Northfield Knife Company were at Reynolds Bridge until 1895. After that, only the Northfield firm remained. The Northfield Knife Company was in Thomaston through 1908, after which they returned to Northfield, Connecticut. The American Knife Company was for some years a thriving concern, employing at one time over one hundred workers.
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. USA c 1919-1948
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. WINSTED CONN. c 1919-1948 Established in October, 1919 on Boyd Street. The firm was founded by Louis Petrunte and son, former employees of the Empire Knife Company. The new company was in the old B.J. Harrison chair factory. In 1920, Irving E. Manchester purchased the interest of the Petruntes, and incorporated the firm. He planned to expand the factory, and increase the output. At that time, Irving Manchester was President and Treasurer; Dominick Russo, Vice President, assistant Treasurer and general manager; John Russo, Secretary; Felix Russo, superintendent. It was a small concern, starting with a capital of $14,000.
In the year 1947 the business was moved to a new location, 118 Lake Street, and in 1948 the name was changed to “Kendal Manufacturing. Company.” In the same year, it was renamed the “Bukar Manufacturing. Company.” The business continued until 1955. On August 1, 1955 the Great Flood hit the area and the entire business was washed away. The cost to rebuild was too great, so they went out of business.
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. GERMANY c 1960-1980 “Sabre Brand” is stamped on the back of the tang. “Sabre” was a trademark used by Cole National.
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. JAPAN c 1960-1980 A trademark used by Cole National.
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. JACKSONVILLE g 1950-1960 Jacksonville, Florida, P.O. Box 5691.
AMERICAN KNIFE CO. (curved) NEWARK, N.J.
g 1930-1940
AMERICAN MAID c 1914-1915 A trademark used by J. Chatillon & Sons.
(1914)
AMERICAN MAID c 1949-1952 A trademark used by Utica Cutlery.
“AMERICAN MAID”
(1949)
AMERICAN MDSE CO. JAPAN g 1950-1960
AMERICAN POCKETKNIFE CO. g 1945-1960 Massillon, Ohio, P.O. Box 401.
THE AMERICAN PRODUCTS CO. CINCINNATI OHIO c 1911-1948 This firm manufactured some straight razors, but was known for flavorings and women’s toiletries.
AMERICAN RAZOR CO. NEW YORK N.Y. g 1910-1930
AMERICAN RAZOR CO. NEW YORK N.Y. g 1910-1930 “Arrow” with an arrow through it is etched on the blade. The razor box is marked “A.R. Co. New York.”
AMERICAN SHEAR & KNIFE CO. c 1853-1914 Founded in 1853 in Hotchkissville (a section of Woodbury), Connecticut, the firm made shears. The stockholders sold out one by one to David Cowles, of Bethlehem, a wealthy farmer. He was a principal in the firm as early as 1860. Eventually, he gained control of the firm, and placed his son, Edward in charge of the factory.
Pocket knives were added to the line of goods (about 1870) and the company thrived. They employed about 150 workers. When Edward Cowles retired, he placed his son Julius H. in charge. He too made a success of the firm, until 1904 when he sold the business to Herbert S. Dormitzer. Over the years, pocket knives slowly gained the greater part of the plant’s output.
In 1910, the manufacture of shears was abandoned. They were sold in 1913 to the Clark Brothers Cutlery Company of Kansas City, Missouri for $50,000. Clark Brothers had also purchased the Waterville Cutlery at Waterville, Connecticut, and planned to combine the two factories at Hotchkissville.
In June of 1914, however, the Hotchkissville plant burned, and the enterprise was abandoned. This firm also used the name “Hotchkissville Knife Company,” or as it is usually marked on knives, “H’Ville Knife Co.”
Postcard depicting the American Shear & Knife factory, c 1900.
AMERICAN SILVER STEEL CO. c 1868-1869 Roxbury, Connecticut.
AMERICAN VETERANS c 1945-1947
(1945)
AMERICAN WHOLESALE CORPORATION c 1923-1925 This firm was also known as the Baltimore Bargain House, and was located in Baltimore, Maryland. They used the trademark “Eversharp.”
(1923)
J. AMES SILVER STEEL
N.P. AMES CHELMSFORD c 1791-1829
N.P. AMES CUTLER SPRINGFIELD 1834-1841 This firm made “Bowie” type knives and model 1841 swords.
AMES MFG CO. CABOTVILLE 1849 c 1849 This knife was a “Rifleman’s” type knife, with the date stamped on it.
AMES CUTLERY COMPANY c 1829-1935 Founded in Chelmsford (Lowell), Massachusetts in 1791, by Nathan P. Ames. He made tools and cutlery. His two sons Nathan P., Jr. and James T. learned the trade in their father’s shop. In 1829, the Ames family moved to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. They made small steel tools, hatchets, knives, chisels, and “Bowie” type knives..
The firm of Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee was founded in 1834. They made small swords, sabers, daggers, bayonets and small tools. In 1835, the firm began casting bells, and gun machinery was made for England and Germany.
In 1836, the Ames Company became the first company in the United States to operate a bronze foundry. They made bronze cannon and cannon balls. They also started making leather belting and military accouterment and harness. In 1847 Nathan Ames Jr. died, and James T. Ames became the head of the firm. In 1853, they began making bronze statuary, thus becoming the first American factory to cast bronze statues. The first statue was that of Benjamin Franklin.
In 1866, the firm expanded their line to include skates, mailboxes and several other small specialties. This firm also introduced electroplating to this country (c1840).
“Ames Knife Co.” and “Ames Cutlery Co.” markings appear in the 1880 and 1883 E.C. Simmons hardware catalogs.
“Ames Cutlery Co.” is marked on this 2 5/8″ jack-knife.
Checkered bone handles, steel liners and bolster.
J. AMES c 1834-1923 John Ames was located in Easton, Massachusetts. He manufactured all types of straight knives. Ames died in 1847, and the factory closed. Ames’ widow, Polly, and Johathan Packard then opened a new knife shop in Sharon, Massachusetts. In 1851, the company became Lothrop, Brother & Company. Lothrop made knives marked “J. Ames,” “J. Sanger,” and “Lothrop & Brother.”
AMICO JAPAN c 1915-1916 A trademark used by Brown & Sons.
AMICO c 1915-1916 A trademark used by Brown & Sons.
(1915)
AM. IMP. CO. GERMANY g 1920-1950 A marking used by American Importing Company.
ANATOLE FRANCE g 1900-1930
A & N CSL
I.H. ANDERSON c 1922 The factory was located in Xenia, Ohio.
ANDOVER CUTLERY CO. c 1919-1920 On December 20, 1920 the main part of the Andover Cutlery Company, Andover, New York burned to the ground. A loss of $25,000 was estimated. The fire started in a quantity of celluloid. In 1919, they had suffered a similar loss by fire, and were just completing a new building when the second loss occurred.
ANDOVER NOVELTY CO. c 1922 This firm was formed in 1922 in Andover, New York to manufacture pocket knives. Albert E.B. Arnays was President & Treasurer, Ernest Whitter was manager, and Charles Richardson was Vice-President and Secretary.
ANDREW & TREDWAY DUBUQUE c 1853-1873 “Britnal, Terry and Belden Chicago” is stamped on the two small blades of this knife. This firm became Andrew Tredway & Sons in 1873.
ANDREW TREDWAY & SONS c 1873-1889 This firm became the A. Tredway & Sons Hardware Company in 1889.
J.H. ANDREWS & CO. LTD. SHEFFIELD c 1860-1960 Toledo Works, Sheffield, England.
J.M. ANDREWS & CO. SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
A.J. ANDERSON FORT WORTH TEXAS c 1882-1963 “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. In 1882, Andre J. Anderson operated a guns and pistol shop. By 1900, it had become the A.J. Anderson Gun Shop, at 410 Houston Street.
R.D. ANDERSON MANSFIELD OHIO g 1920-1950
R. ANENDOLA NEW HAVEN GERMANY Marked on the back of the tang. “Enterprise” is marked on the front of the tang.
ANGEL WEDGE “A. Colletti Solingen Germany” is marked on the back of the tang.
ANGLO-PACIFIC CUTLERY CO. SHEFFIELD
ANHEUSER-BUSCH GERMANY c 1880-1914
ANHEUSER-BUSCH c 1932-1948 Knives with this marking were made by Camillus during this period.
ANNIVERSARY g 1950-1960
ANSONIA g 1900-1910
ANTELOPE 76 g 1950-1970 “Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang
ANTELOPE KESCHNER GERMANY g 1950-1970
ANTELOPE GERMANY g 1950-1970
ANTELOPE g 1950-1970 “Griffon Cutlery” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ANTICOR c 1909-1930 A trademark used by H. Buchner.
ERIC ANTONBERG HELJESTRAND ESKILSTUNA SWEDEN g 1920-1940
ANVIL CUTLERY CO. c 1920-1921 This firm took over the business of the Summit Cutlery Company in September, 1920, at 3526 Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey. C.H. Bick was President, Julius Hof was Secretary, and F.M. Umlauft was Vice-President and Treasurer.
ANVIL MADE IN USA c 1972-present A trademark used by the Colonial Knife Company.
(1972)
APEX STAINLESS g 1950-1960 “Japan” is stamped on the back of tang.
APIS c 1916-1920 A trademark used by Yorkshire Steel Company.
APPLEBE & COMPANY SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
APPLETON & LITCHFIELD BOSTON MASS. c 1885
APPLETON & LITCHFIELD c 1885 Located at 344 Washington St., Boston, Massachusetts. By 1890, the firm was called G.B. Appleton & Company, and in 1895 Appleton & Bassett. Both were at 34 Washington. In 1905, the firm was the G.B. Appleton Hardware Company, and was in business until 1940.
A.P.S. GERMANY
A.P. CO. NEW YORK
A.R. CO. g 1910-1930 “Extra Hollow Ground” is stamped on the back of the tang. This marking was used by American Razor Company.
AD. ARBENZ’S MANDARIN JOUGE FRANCE
ARBOLITO Spanish word for “Little Tree.”
ARCHER MFG. CO. NEW YORK CITY g 1910-1930 “Blue Steel” is stamped on the front of the tang.
THE ARCHERS COMPANY (eagle) Etching on a Southern & Richardson bowie knife.
JULIAN LOPEZ Y ARECHAVALA c 1886-1908 This firm was in Bilhao, Gran Via No. 35, Bibao, Spain. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
ARGYLE CUTLERY COMPANY g 1910-1930
ARGYLE CUTLERY CO. SHEFFIELD g 1910-1930
ARGYLE CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1910-1930
ARISTOCRAT c 1932-1953 A trademark used by McCrory Stores.
ARISTON GERMANY g 1900-1910
ARKANSAS TRAVELER c 1881-1939 A trademark used by Fones Brothers located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
ARMAX MADE IN USA g 1920-1930
ARMSTRONG CUTLERY CO. USA c 1901-1909
ARMSTRONG CUTLERY CO. GERMANY c 1901-1909 “Germany” is stamped inside a circle on the back of the tang.
ARMY AND NAVY c 1896-1914 “Koken St. Louis” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ARNACHELLUM SALEM This “Bowie” type knife was made in India.
ARNEX SOLINGEN g 1920-1940
ARNEX STAINLESS g 1921-1940 “Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
A. ARNOLD BARBER SUPPLY LITTLE ROCK ARK.
g 1920-1940
FREDERICH H. ARNOLD c 1906-1909 Arnold was located at 440 Court Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. Arnold used the trademark “Fountain” on all types of cutlery and tools.
(1906)
I. ARNOLD
ARODOBE CUTLERY COMPANY GERMANY g 1900-1920
ARROW g 1910-1930 (with an arrow through it) A trademark used by American Razor Company.
ARROW BRAND SAN FRANCISCO c 1885-1954 A trademark used by Adolph Blaich.
(1885)
ARROWHEAD TRADING CORP c 1922-1923 Located at 132 Nassau St., New York, N.Y. They specialized razors.
(1922)
ARSAY – A SAHLER WALD SOLINGEN
ART CUTLERY g 1900-1920 “Corn’s patent” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ART CUTLERY CO. FULLY WARRANTED GERMANY
g 1910-1930 “Art Cutlery Co.” with an easel and brushes is etched on the blade.
ART KNIFE CO. NICHOLSON PA. g 1915-1917 “Made in USA” is stamped on the small blade.
ARTEK c 1946-1948 Located at 33 N. Day Sreet, Orange, New Jersey, G.W. Clark was President. They dealt in knives, and replacement knife blades for carving.
THE ARTIST LEVERING RAZOR g 1920-1930 “Hamburg Ground Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
1837 A.S. CO. WORLD BRANDT.
ASCHER SHEFFIELD c 1845
SUPE. SILVER STEEL T. ASCHER SHEFFIELD c 1845
F. ASCHEUER c 1883-1889 This firm was operated by Frederich Ascheuer in New York City. They used the trademark “Daisy.”
(1883)
ASCO CUTLERY CO. MAGNETIZED GERMANY
g 1900-1910
ASDAAS GERMANY g 1900-1910 “Our Best” is etched on the blade.
A SEE BRAND c 1914-1915 A trademark used by J. Torrence.
ASHBURY & LAMB NEWBURG N.Y.
ASHLEY
J. ASHMORE PHILADELPHIA
ASK c 1929 A trademark used by C. Knotte.
JOHN ASKAM c 1818-1860 Sheffield, England.
JOHN ASKHAM c 1856-1968 Located in the Broad Lane Works, Askham used the trademark “J. Sharpe.”
C. ASPREY 155 OLD BOND STREET c 1870-present A retail jewelry store in London, England.
ASTOR HOUSE g 1920-1940 “Ehrlich N.Y.” is stamped on the front of the tang.
ASTRO EDGE c 1965-1967 A trademark used by the Imperial Knife Company.
A & T PARIS
ATCO JAPAN current
ATECO SOLINGEN g 1920-1940 A lion is etched on the blade.
ASTERI SHEAR CO.
ATKINS BROTHERS RYPO STEEL RAZOR c 1882-1953
ATKINS BROS. MATILDA STREET SHEFFIELD
c 1824-1958 A maker of silver fruit knives and other cutlery. The firm was at the Truro Works, Matilda Street, Sheffield, England in 1953.
E.C. ATKINS c 1857-1960 Founded in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1857 by Elias Cornelius Atkins. He had moved from Bristol, Connecticut, where for several years he had been engaged in the manufacture of small tools, clocks, and saws. He was in the Hill Planing Mill on South New Jersey Street until 1863. Larger quarters were secured at 408 S. Illinois Street where room was available for expansion. By 1943, the plant had acres of floor space.
They were incorporated in 1885. Atkins’ line included saws, saw handles and tools used in the upkeep of saws, and knives used in cutting meat, paper, cloth, fibre, and other substances.
E.C. Atkins continued as head of the plant for nearly 50 years. Upon his death in 1901, he was succeeded by his son, H.C. Atkins. The firm continued to operate until 1960, when the plant was closed and moved to Greenville, Mississippi.
In 1943, E.C. Atkins II had 26 combat daggers custom made for his son E.C. Atkins III, and the other members of his Army unit. The blade was made from Silver Steel, and the handle was made of red fibre, bronze, and aluminum spacers.
(1857)
WILLIAM ATKINS c 1848-1913 Located in the Reliance Steel Works, Sheffield, England. A.R. Atkins was the director. They made all types of cutlery.
(1880)
ATKINSON g 1850-1875
ATKINSON BROS. c 1845-present Located at the Milton Works, Herries Road, Sheffield, England. They make all types of cutlery. The Atkinson Brothers firm was owned by John Bedford & Sons, Ltd. in 1953. Bedford & Sons used all of the Atkinson Brothers trademarks on all types of cutlery.
(1845)
ATKINSON KNIFE IT CUTS .25¢ CAPON SPRINGS W. VA. Allen Cutlery patent.
ATLANTIC CUTLERY COMPANY GERMANY c 1898-1914
Two Knives marked “Atlantic Cutlery Co. Germany”
ATLANTIC CUTLERY GERMANY c 1898-1914
ATLANTIC KNIFE WORKS NEW YORK g 1920-1940 An all celluloid knife, handles and blade.
P.M. ATLAS g 1920-1930
ATLAS WORKS c 1879-1881 A trademark used by J. Russell.
ATLAS CUTLERY CO. BRADFORD PA. c 1961-1965 This firm was originally in California. They were importers of cutlery made in Japan. The firm was moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania in 1961. Jack Tashler and Mr. Adle owned the company. They sold the firm in 1965 to Beacon Manufacturing of Cleveland, Ohio.
ATTA-BOY c 1926-1947 A trademark used by Wester Brothers.
(1926)
ATTICA KNIFE CO. g 1875-1900
AUGUST CUTLERY CO. g 1910-1930
AUGUST CUTLERY COMPANY GERMANY g 1910-1930
AUSONIA g 1900-1920 A line extends from the “A” under the name.
AUSTENITE c 1909-1930 A trademark used by Wester Brothers.
AUSTIN A “Bowie” type knife was made by this firm.
AUSTRAILIAN SNETH STEEL g 1920-1940
AUSTIN BROS. STOCKTON CAL. M.I.G. g 1920-1940 “Faultless” is stamped on the front of the tang.
AUSTRIAN CUTLERY WORKS AUSTRIA g 1900-1915
AUTOMATIC c 1883-1945 A trademark used by the Eagle Pencil Company.
AUTO KNIFE CO. MIDDLETOWN CONN. c 1891-1893 Located on Green Street, opposite the Union Depot in Middletown, Connecticut. They were makers of an automatic knife based on Wilzen’s patent of April 9, 1889. Doras A. & Norman C. Stiles were managers of the firm.
The firm was sold in 1893 to Walter Hatch of S. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He operated the firm in Middletown as the Hatch Cutlery Company with Doras Stiles as manager until 1894. The factory was then moved to Buchanan, Michigan.
Excerpt from the 1893 Connecticut Business Directory.
AUTOMATIC UTILITIES CO. c 1907-1908 Located at No. 56 Pine St., New York, New York, John Heissenberger was President. They dealt mainly in razors.
(1907)
AUTOPOINT CHICAGO USA c 1911-present Autopoint specialized in advertising knives. They made several different patterns of two-blade knives. The knives are of medium quality, and are found with many different advertisements on the handles. In 1979, they moved to Janesville, Wisconsin.
AVCOC BREVETE DW ROI
AVONDALE CUTLERY CO. c 1911 This firm was incorporated with a capital of $125,000 in East Nutley, New Jersey. Richard K. Van Dien, Oliver B. Ferris and Eduardo Terricelli, incorporators.
A.W. CUTLERY GERMANY
A.W.P. & CO. SAN FRANCISCO
AXIOM c 1893-1908 A trademark used by J.F. McCoy.
A 3¼” two-blade mumbly peg pattern jack knife, celluloid
handles. Marked on the blade is “Autopoint Chicago Ill.”
W.W. AYER BOSTON c 1875-1880
W.W. AYER c 1860-1880 Originally located in Lewiston, Maine, Ayer was a cutler. From 1875 to 1880, he was at 304 Washington St., Boston, Massachusetts. Wells W. Ayer is listed in the Boston City Directory under “Cutlers.” He specialized in “Bowie” type knives.
AYOMA g 1940-1960
AZZAM BADDOUR & HYDER GERMANY g 1900-1920
AZZARIA g 1900-1910
I. & A.B. SHEFFIELD g 1875-1900
B (stamped inside a diamond) g 1950-1970
B (stamped inside a shield) g 1950-1970 “Forged Steel Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
(crown) B
B & A c 1867-1881 Bradford & Anthony was in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm was founded as Bradford in 1845. They became Bradford & Company in 1856, and Bradford & Anthony in 1867. In 1881, the name was changed to Dame, Stoddard & Kendall, or “D.S.& K.”
B & A WINSTED CT. c 1856-1890 A marking used by Beardsley & Alford.
B & B IMPL. AUSTRIA g 1900-1915 “Pat. Pend.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
B.B.B. MONETT MO. c 1898-1906 A marking used by Barnsley Brothers.
B.B. CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1910 “Germany” inside a circle is stamped on the back of the tang.
B.B. KNIFE CO. BEAVERBROOK MASS. c 1902 B.B. knives were sold by Pacific Hardware & Steel Company of San Francisco in 1902.
B.D. & CO. DETROIT g 1920-1930
B.E.G. c 1900 A marking used by Barmer.
B. H. & CO. c 1837-1920 A marking used by Biddle Hardware.
B.K. COMPANY
B & L
( bow & arrow) B M g 1900-1920 Stamped on the back of the tang. “Buck” and an eye is stamped on the front of the tang.
(bow & arrow) B M g 1900-1920 Stamped on the back of the tang. “Nantucket Cutlery Co.” is stamped on the front of the tang.
B.O.E. c 1892-1897 A trademark used by Schreiber, Conchar & Westphal.
B P SHAVER c 1921 “Pat. 1921” is marked on the back of the tang. A marking used by Bigelow-Partin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania..
B ROSTFREI g 1970-present The knife seen was a switch-blade knife.
B ROSTFREI SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1970-present The knife seen was a switch-blade knife.
BT CO. BRIDGEPORT c 1922 A marking used by the Bridgeport Tool Company. It was located at 28 State Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
B.T. CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. c 1923-1938 The Bronson Townsend Hardware company was in New Haven, Connecticut. They used the trademark “Pequot.”
BABCOCK & STOWELL BINGHAMPTON N.Y. g 1900-1930 This hardware was the Babcock Hardware in 1898.
BABY GOLD BOND c 1922 “P.A. Phillips Detroit Mich.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BABY GRAND g 1920-1940 “T.H. Barber Supply Terre Haute Ind.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
THE BACON KNIFE MADE IN SHEFFIELD g 1920-1940
BADGER STATE KNIFE CO. GERMANY g 1900-1920
JOSEPH BADGER & SONS c 1860-1861 Located in New Haven, Connecticut, they made razor strops, but also sold razors with this marking.
BADWAY FALL RIVER MASS. g 1900-1920
AUG. BADWAY LOWELL MASS c 1922 “Mt. Hope” is stamped on the front of the tang.
LUDWIG BAER GERMANY g 1920-1940 “Boy Scout” is stamped on the blade.
WILLIAM BAGSHAW SHEFFIELD c 1817-1852 15 Spring Street, Sheffield, England.
V(crown)R BAGSHAW CHURCH ST. LIVERPOOL
g 1850-1900
BAHMAN B.S. CO. CINCINNATI g 1920-1940 “Cincinnati” is stamped on the front of the tang.
(bear) B (both enclosed in a circle) BAIR CUTLERY CO. INDIANAPOLIS g 1920-1940
WM. BAIR CHICAGO ILL. g 1920-1940
BAKALAR c 1917 Located in New York City, and was incorporated in 1917 with capital of $1,000. Jacob Bakalar, Joseph Burman, and Mitchell Robert were the principals. They were makers of knives, scissors, razors, tools, and other cutlery.
MARCOS BAKALAR c 1917 This retail store was opened in the spring of 1917, and located at 417 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.
BAKALAR CUTLERY CO. INC. c 1917-1918 Established in March, 1917 by Moses H. Bakalar, and located at 2076 Third Avenue, New York, New York.
BAKER NEW YORK USA
G. BAKER * & SONS (enclosed in an oval) MADE IN GERMANY g 1900-1920 “Extra Hollow Ground” is etched on the blade.
G. BAKER & SONS g 1900-1920
BAKER Saw blade marked “Gregg 50 Tothill St.”
EDWARD J. BAKER CO. INC. HORNELL N.Y. g 1920-1940
BAKER & CO. SHEFFIELD c 1850-1953 “Phoenix Razor” is stamped on the blade.
JOHN BAKER SHEFFIELD c 1837-1953 “Real Phoenix” is stamped on blade. John Baker & Sons Ltd. were in the Monmouth Works, Sheffield, England. The firm was still in business in 1953. There was another cutler named John Baker during mid 1830’s, but at 40 Garden Street, Sheffield.
(1837)
BAKER HAMILTON & PACIFIC CO. c 1918-1943
BAKER & HAMILTON c 1854-1918 & 1943-1981 This firm was founded in San Francisco, California, and called the New England Seed Store. James Warren was the owner. By 1854, Baker & Hamilton had bought the firm, which was then a hardware.
In 1918, they merged with the Pacific Hardware & Steel Company, forming the Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Hardware. This firm operated under this name until about 1943, when it was changed to the Baker & Hamilton Hardware Company.
The firm went out of business in 1981. Trademarks used were: New Haven Cutlery Co. c 1895, Eclipse Cutlery Co. c 1900, Damascus c 1895, Palo Alto c 1902 (Pacific), Stiletto c 1896 (Pacific), B.B. Knife Co. c 1902 (Pacific), Clark’s c 1899 (Baker & Hamilton)
CLARK’S
(1903) (1899)
(1896)
Excerpt from c 1910 Baker & Hamilton catalog
showing two “Damascus” pocket knives.
BAKER & MCDOWELL HARDWARE c 1926 This firm was in Natchez, Mississippi, and went out of business in 1926.
BAKERSFIELD B.S. CO. BAKERSFIELD CALIF.
g 1920-1940 “Little Colt” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BALDON c 1874-1926 A crown and scimitar with “Wald Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. This was a trademark of C. Friedr. Ern & Company.
BALDWIN CUTLERY CO. NEW ORLEANS c 1874-1939
A. BALDWIN & CO. INC. NEW ORLEANS c 1874-1939 Organized in 1874 as the A. Baldwin & Company Hardware. They are still in business, but known as the Stratton-Baldwin Company. “I Cut Keen,” “Baldwin’s Special,” and “Southern Belle” were trademarks used by this firm.
(1884)
SOUTHERN BELLE BALDWIN’S SPECIAL
(1901) (1939)
BALDWIN CUTLERY CO. TIDIOUTE PA. c 1916-1924 Tidioute”
A two blade equal end jack-knife, marked
“Baldwin Cut. Co. Tidioute.”
BALDWIN CUTLERY CO. JAMESTOWN N.Y. c 1919-1924 In 1912, Harry D. Baldwin moved to Tidioute, Pennsylvania from Sparta, Wisconsin. He purchased the cutlery plant which was in operation at the time. He ran the business as the Tidioute Cutlery Company until 1916 when the name was changed to the Baldwin Cutlery Company.
The Baldwin firm was incorporated with capital stock of $15,000. The incorporators were Harry Baldwin, Ellis S. Kennedy, and H.S. Keck. The firm opened a larger plant in Jamestown, New York in 1919. Both plants were in operation under Baldwin’s management until at least 1924.
BALDWINS, ROBBINS & CO. BOSTON c 1898-1910 This company was at 99 Pearl Street, Boston, Massachusetts. In 1910, they became Decatur & Hopkins.
ARTHUR BALFOUR & CO. LTD. SHEFFIELD c 1870-1953 In the 1800’s, this firm was in the Dannemora Steel Works, Sheffield, England. By 1953, they had moved to the Capital Steel Works on Willey Street. They used eagle on a globe, and “Seebohm & Dieckstahl” as trademarks.
(1870) (1870) (1870)
BALISONG INC. c 1979-1982 This company made a butterfly type knife. They became Pacific Cutlery Company in 1982.
E. BALKANIQUE g 1875-1900
BALKANLUX g 1875-1900 The name is stamped out on the blade.
BALKE & SCHAAF SOLINGEN g 1890-1920 A lamb is stamped on the back of the tang.
BALL BROS. & CO. c 1865-1953 This firm was in Sheffield, England in the Globe Works. George Barnsley & Sons owned this firm in 1953.
(1865)
J. BALLIET
BANCROFT RAZOR CO. c 1917-1918 This company was in Worcester, Massachusetts. The factory was owned by the Griffon Cutlery Works, New York City. In July, 1918, they started to employ women in their grinding department. This was an innovative move in the American cutlery industry.
BANISTER & POLLARD CO. c 1911-1922 This firm was at 206 Market Street, Newark, New Jersey. W. Albert Banister was President. As a retail hardware store, they dealt in all types of cutlery.
(1911)
BANNER KNIFE CO. g 1920-1930
BANNER CUTLERY CO. AUSTRIA c 1939 A trademark used by Simmons Hardware.
BANNER CUTLERY CO. GERMANY c 1939 Crossed Flags * & S is stamped on the back of the tang. The trademark was used by Simmons Hardware.
A.F. BANNISTER & CO. c 1884-1915 The firm of Bannister & Clark did business under the name A.F. Bannister & Company. They were in Newark, New Jersey. The main item of trade was razors.
A.F. Bannister began in the cutlery trade in 1851 at the age of 14 in Sheffield, England. He later relocated to Newark. In 1914, a fire in the plant caused $35,000 damage. Bannister used the following trademark.
(1901)
BANTAM c 1954-1955 A trademark used by the Colonial Cutlery Company.
B. BARBER g 1820-1850 “Old English” is stamped on the blade.
BARBER BROS. (curved marking) g 1850-1875
FREDK. WILM. BARBER SUPERIOR TEMPER STEEL
g 1850-1875
I. BARBER c 1810-1834 John Barber was in Sheffield, England. In 1834, the firm became John Barber & Son.
JAMES BARBER SHEFFIELD CUTLERS TO HER MAJESTY c 1894-1944 A trademark used by T. Ellin.
ERA JAMES BARBER SHEFFIELD c 1894-1944 A trademark used by T. Ellin.
JOHN BARBER c 1810-1834
JOHN BARBER SILVER STEEL c 1820-1834 This firm was in Sheffield, England. In 1834, they became John Barber & Son.
JOHN BARBER & SON SHEFFIELD c 1834-1852 This firm was originally John Barber, starting about 1810.
JOHN BARBER c 1844-1845 Barber was located at 95½ Bowery, New York City. He was a manufacturer of cutlery.
BARCLAY BROS. SHEFFIELD
BARCLAY & BROS. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
U R K is stamped on the bolsters.
BARGE
BARHEP SOLINGEN GERMANY
C. BARKER BANBURY g 1850-1875
C.B. BARKER & CO. c 1880-1905 This firm was at 771 Broadway, New York. C.B. Barker was President, and H.H. Howard, Treasurer. They dealt in all types of cutlery. By 1905, the trademarks were being used by Wiebusch & Hilger.
(1880) (1885)
BARKER, DOUNCE & ROSE c 1875-1887 Founded about 1860 as Wm. Brown & Company, they were at 14 Lake Street, Elmira, New York. In 1866, the firm became Ayrault & Rose. In 1872, the firm became Booth, Dounce, Rose & Company, and was at 101 Water Street. By 1875, the firm name became Barker, Dounce, Rose & Company.
By 1889, the name of the firm was Barker, Rose & Gray, and still on Water Street. By 1901, the firm was Barker, Rose & Clinton Company, at 110-113 Lake Street. In 1928, the firm was Barker, Rose & Kimball. In 1950, the firm was incorporated. In 1952, the firm was Rose, Kimball & Baxter Inc. The firm was listed in the city directory under this name through 1981.
BARKER-JENNINGS HARDWARE CO. GERMANY c 1898
BARKER JENNINGS HDW. CO. LYNCHBURG VA. c 1898
BARKER & RAWSON c 1890 Westville (a section of New Haven), Connecticut.
BAR
LOW c 1667-1798 This is the original Barlow marking. This knife pattern was invented by Obadiah Barlow. In the year 1667, Obadiah founded the firm that would bear the family name until 1798. The firm was on Campo Lane, near the center of Sheffield, England. In 1710, his grandson, John Barlow joined him in the business. John then continued the business until his son, also named John, entered the business in 1745. This last John Barlow was the final member of the family. When he died in 1798, the “Genuine Barlow” met its demise.
There were several knife makers named Barlow in the 1700’s and 1800’s. There was a Samuel Barlow who made pocket knives; a John Barlow who made table cutlery in the 1870’s; James Barlow, a razor maker from 1828-1856. None of these later Barlows were any relation to the original family of Obadiah Barlow. In addition to these, F. Ward & Co. used the “Barlow” marking in the 1860’s through the 1880’s.
BARLOW (fish hook and sideways “Z” above the name)
c 1860-1881 The marking is stamped on the blade. The small blade is marked “B4*ANY F. Ward Co. Cutlery Sheffield.” Note: the single-bladed knives are not marked with the Ward name, and many believe they are the original Barlow knives. If they have the fish hook and “Z,” they are F. Ward knives, and not original Obadiah/John Barlow knives.
JAMES BARLOW & SON SHEFFIELD c 1828-1856
JAMES BARLOW SHEFFIELD c 1828-1856 This firm made razors.
BAR
LOW c 1800-1820 A simicar & “Z” is stamped on the blade. A marking used by Samuel Barlow.
SAMUEL BARLOW c 1780-1883 This maker was in Neepsend (a section of Sheffield), England. Early knives by this maker will have the touchmark — small scimitar and “Z.” The Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis sold knives advertised as “Sam Barlow” in 1883.
(1780-1800) BARLOW
(1800-1820)
A 3¼” barlow, bone handles, intregal steel
bolsters & liners.Samuel Barlow’s touchmark
and “Barlow” are stamped out on the blade.
BARLOW SUPERIOR TEMPER g 1875-1900
BARMER EXPORT GESELLSCHAFT c 1900 Located in Barmer, Germany. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
(1900)
LEWIS BARNASCONE SHEFFIELD c 1850-1930 They specialized in making sportsmen’s knives. Henry & Lewis Barnascone were Swiss natives who moved to Sheffield in the late 1840’s.
PROLIFIC
HENRY BARNE MAKER NEW ENGLAND CC (inside a circle) WALNGFD c 1854-1860
EDWARD BARNES U S c 1833-1853
E. BARNES & SONS SHEFFIELD V(crown)R c 1853-1888
EDWARD BARNES & SONS c 1853-1888 The Edward Barnes & Sons factory was in Sheffield, England at 239 Solly Street. This firm was “Edward Barnes” from c 1833-1853. In 1853, the firm is listed with “& Sons” in the New York City directory under “Hardware & Cutlery, Importers of,” at 6 Platt Street (this is the same address as Alexander & Barton, also importers of cutlery).
In 1857, Edward Barnes & Sons are listed under “Cutlery Manufacturers,” at 75 Maiden Lane, and in 1858 under “Importers” again, at 13 Cliff and Birmingham, England. In 1860, again under “Cutlery Manufacturers” at 68 Beekman.
ISAAC BARNES CELEBRATED DIRK KNIFE c 1787-1870 Isaac Barnes was originally on Campo Lane, Sheffield, England. They moved to 109 Broad Lane, Sheffield in the mid-1800’s, and stayed there until 1864. After that, they were at 9 Suffolk Street. Barnes used the touch-mark “Barns.”
BARNS
(1787)
JOSIAH BARNES c 1850-1852 Barnes was located at 426 Sixth Avenue, New York City.
BARNES & MILLER HARDWARE c 1913 This firm was sold to Benedict, Warren & Davidson of Memphis, Tennessee in 1913.
BARNETT’S INC. c 1916 First located in Seattle, Washington, on November 4, 1916, they announced they would move their business to Indianapolis, Indiana. Harley Jackson was President, A.R. Barnett, Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Maynard a director. After moving to Indianapolis, the name of the firm was changed to the International Razor Company.
O. BARNETT TOOL CO. NEWARK N.J. c 1900-1915 This firm was founded about 1845 as the Oscar Barnett Foundry Company. They made a tool knife, using the J.C. Lewis patent dated Nov. 2, 1900. They were located at 105 Hamilton Street, Newark, New Jersey. They went out of business in 1915.
TRADE H H H MARK
(1900)
Picture from the 1907 Belknap Hardware catalog depicting
a Barnett’s tool knife, based on the J.C. Lewis patent.
BARNS c 1787-1870 Touchmark of Isaac Barnes. The knife seen was a lobster jack knife, with screw-on handles.
GEO. BARNSLEY & SONS c 1836-1990 This firm was at the Cornish Works, Cornish Place, Sheffield, England. They made all types of cutlery. Henry Barnsley was sole owner in 1916. They were still in business in 1953, and also owned Ball Brothers & Company, located at the Globe Works, Penistone Road, Sheffield 6.
The trademarks “T L” the “A” and a shoe, the Lily and a “T”, the “Wide Awake” and “Stoic” were all used on all types of cutlery.
(1839) (1837) (1953)
(1860) (1953)
BARNSLEY MFG. CO. MONETT MO. c 1898-1906
BARNSLEY BROS. MONETT MO. c 1898-1906
BARNSLEY BROS. USA c 1898-1906 Founded about 1898 by six brothers, U.S., W. Rawleigh, Foster F., T.C., R.O., and R.C. Barnsley. The factory was in Monett, Missouri, and produced a full line of pocket knives and straight razors. The firm went out of business about 1906.
T.C. BARNSLEY MFG. CO. OKLAHOMA CITY OKLA. c 1906 T.C. Barnsley had been a partner in the Barnsley Brothers Cutlery Company in Monett, Missouri. After they closed, he moved to Oklahoma City and opened his own business.
BARON ROSTFREI g 1950-1970 A switch-blade knife.
BARON SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1950-1970
BARR BROS. EUGENE ORE. c 1893-1911 Hugh and William Barr established this firm in Eugene, Oregon in 1893. They moved to Eugene in 1891, and with partners, C.F. and John T. Cardwell, built a factory and began manufacturing in 1893 under the name Barr Brothers and Company. They began by making steel knives and sack needles, and a few hand-wrought guns.
The Cardwells were replaced as partners by G.M. Miller, who left the firm in 1898. The name then became Barr Brothers. They dealt in, and manufactured all types of cutlery until 1911 when they sold the firm to Ed Goodchild.
The Barr Brothers then moved to Oakland, California and started a new cutlery factory.
BARR BROS. OAKLAND CALIF. c 1911-1939 The Barr Bros.-Rogers Cutlery Company was given property in Palo Alto for a factory in 1911. In July, 1911 Barr Bros.-Rogers opened a plant in Oakland, on Eighth Avenue at De Fremery Wharf. A workforce of 75 men was employed.
The firm was persuaded to move to Oakland through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. H.A. Barr was president, W.R. Barr vice president, and Jonathan Kempf Jr. secretary.
In 1921, they erected a new factory in Oakland. The factory cost about $25,000, and was capable of producing 250 dozen knives a day and 150 dozen sack needles. F.H. Ross was president, J.B. Barlow vice president, and neither Barr brother was an officer.
In May of 1922, the firm filed for bankruptcy, and was reorganized. C.E. Haycraft became the manager of the reorganized firm. The firm was in business until 1939, but listed in the Hardware Age merchandise directory as the Barr Brothers Company.
T. BARRACHIN FILS AGAP g 1875-1900
BARRELL g 1900-1910
A. BARRETT & SONS
BARRETT HICKS CO. FRESNO CAL. c 1913-1938 This firm was a hardware, located in Fresno, California.
J.B. BARRON
JAMES G. BARRY CO. 43 DEARBORN ST. CHICAGO c 1919-1925
JAMES G. BARRY CO. CHICAGO ILL. c 1919-1925 The marking is stamped on the back of the tang. “Black Jack” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BARRY & CO. g 1919-1925
H. BARTLES & SONS UNION CITY CT.
BARTLETT TOOL CO. c 1915-1916 Jacob B. Sehl was president of this firm, and located in Geneva, New York.
WM. BARTLETT g 1875-1910
BARTLETT MFG. CO. DETROIT, MICH. g 1900-1920
BARTON BROTHERS SHEFFIELD (inside a half circle) c 1843-1855
BARTON BROS. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1843-1855 This firm was a manufacturer located in Sheffield, England. They had an agency in New York City, at 18 Platt Street. By 1849, they had moved to 19 Cliff Street.
BARTON & CO. c 1878 This firm was the successor to Barton, Alexander & Waller.
BARTON, ALEXANDER & WALLER c 1868 This firm was at No. 68 Beckman Street, New York, New York. They were importers of pocket cutlery, and the sole agent for Alexander’s Celebrated Cutlery. By 1878, they were Barton & Co.
BARTON & SCOFIELD g 1900-1930
BASSETT DERBY CONN. g 1920-1940
J.E. BASSETT & CO. c 1784-1919 The John E. Bassett & Company hardware and cutlery was founded about 1784. They were in New Haven, Connecticut. They were incorporated in 1889 with a capital of $20,000, and still in business as late as 1919.
BASSETT JEWELRY CO. c 1922-1923 Located at 36 Garnet Street, Providence, Rhode Island, Ludwig J. Roehr was President.
BASTIAN BROS. ROCHESTER N.Y. c 1895-present This is a wholesale jewelery store. Their pocket knives were made for them by various knife manufacturers as skeleton knives. Bastian Brothers then placed fancy handles on them.
BATEMAN 2937 g 1950-1960
C.J. BATES & SONS 18 LIBERTY ST. CHESTER CONN. c 1873-1905
C.J. BATES & SONS 18 LIBERTY c 1873-1905 This firm was started about 1873, and was at 6 Liberty Street, Chester, Connecticut. They made bone items for 25 years. They then expanded to celluloid and steel manicure sets.
In 1905, they moved from Liberty Street to 8 North Main Street. They also had offices in New York City at 47 West 34th Street in 1926. They are still in business at 212 Middlesex Avenue, but are now manufacturers of knitting supplies.
JAMES BATES MAKER g 1875-1900
BATES & BACON 11 JOHN STREET N.Y. g 1900-1930
BATISSE (under a quarter moon with a face) is stamped on the back of the tang. “Couvreux” is stamped on the front on the blade.
WILLIAM BATT & SONS c 1860-1910 This firm was in Sheffield, England. Their trademark is a cricket bat.
MFD BY BATTERLESS TEL. EQUIP. CO. INC. PITTSBURGH PA. c 1939 Made U.S. Navy diver’s knife.
BATTLE AXE BRAND c 1975-1990 This is a trademark used by J.W. Hickey and Tommy Shouse of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their knives were made in Germany in limited editions.
BATTLE AXE CUTLERY CO. PHILADELPHIA
c 1897-1937 A trademark used by A.R. Justice. The marking is curved with an ax in the center.
BATTLE AXE CUTLERY CO. c 1897-1937 A trademark used by A.R. Justice. An ax is stamped on the back of the tang.
BAUER MFG. CO. SAN FRANCISCO CAL. g 1910-1930 “Ace” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BAUER GERMANY g 1920-1930
W.H. BAUGHMAN c 1922
W.H. BAUGHMAN AKRON O. c 1922
HUGO BAUERMAN c 19??-present Located in Solingen, Germany, Bauerman used the marking “HUBA.”
FRIEDR. BAURMANN & SOHNE SOLINGEN GERMANY
g 1900-1940
P.D. BAUS c 1820-1900 Peter Daniel Baus was in Solingen, Germany. He also used the trademark “Lark.”
BAXTER
BAXTER LTD. SHEFFIELD c 1970 This is a marking used by W. & J.A. Baxter. They were at the Congo Works, Sheffield, England.
BAYES USA g 1970-1980 A Purina advertising knife.
BAYLEY
C.E. BAYLOR & CO.
BAYONNE KNIFE CO. c 1888-1910 “Bayonne K. Co.” is stamped on the small blade.
BAYONNE KNIFE CO. BAYONNE N.J. c 1888-1910 This firm was in Bayonne, New Jersey at 714 Avenue D (now Broadway).
BAY RIDGE WORKS GERMANY g 1900-1920
BAYSIDE CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1920
BAY STATE CUTLERY GERMANY c 1939 A trademark used by Simmons Hardware.
BAY STATE KNIFE CO. g 1900-1920
BAY STATE M’F’G CO. WOR’STR MASS. g 1875-1900
BAY STATE TOOL CO. NORTHAMPTON MASS.
c 1854-1866 The Bay State Tool Company in its first year (1854) reported a payroll of 150 men, and a product valued at $100,000.
Its main market was in the southern cotton regions. Its success, however, was only temporary. A mortgage taken two years after its establishment was defaulted in 1858. The company’s land, buildings, and machinery were sold for $33,000 to three outside men who continued the manufacture of agricultrural tools. They later added table cutlery to their products.
They were incorporated in 1865 with capitol of $200,000. During the Civil War, as might be expected, gun barrels and bayonets were made.
The company was re-organized in 1866 as the Clement Hawkes Manufacturing Company. This new firm went out of business in 1873 due to a depression in that year. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BAZAR g 1950-1960 The marking is stamped on the blade. A diamond with a fish inside it is on the tang. “Solingen” is stamped on the bolster.
BAZAR g 1950-1960 Three arms holding hammers in a circle. “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. “Spring Knife” is stamped into the bottom bolster.
B.B. CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1910 “Germany” inside a circle is stamped on the back of the tang.
B.B. KNIFE CO. BEAVERBROOK MASS. c 1902 B.B. Knives were sold by the Pacific Hardware & Steel Company of San Francisco in 1902.
B.D. & CO. DETROIT
BEACH SALISBURY “Hunters Companion” is stamped on the blade of a “Bowie” type knife.
BEACON KNIFE CO. GERMANY g 1900-1920
J. BEAL & SONS SHEFFIELD c 1871-1953
JOSH BEAL & SONS V(crown)R SHEFFIELD c 1871-1901
J & J BEAL LTD. c 1871-1953 First known as Josh Beal & Sons in 1871. J & J Beal Ltd. was the successor to that firm in 1923. They renewed all their trademarks in 1944.
Joseph Ernest Beal and Arnold James Beal were the owners. In the 1850’s-1871 period, the firm was at 8 Silver Street, Sheffield. By the late 1870’s, they were in the Red Hill Works, Corporation Street, Sheffield. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery. They used the following trademarks:
\
(1871) (1871)
(1871) (1871)
(1876) (1876)
(1876) (1876)
Large “Bowie Type” knife, marked “J. Beal Sheffield.”
L.L. BEAN FREEPORT ME. c 1937-present
L.L. BEAN INC. FREEPORT ME. c 1937-present The old knives with this marking were made by Ka-Bar through the 1950’s. In 1977, they began selling knives once again with their own marking.
BEAR MGC c 1990-present Located in Jacksonville, Alabama, it is the outgrowth of the Parker-Edwards firm. Herman McIntosh, Ken Griffey and Greg Cook are the owners, hence the MGC.
(1990)
H. BEAR BARBER SUPPLY CO. TERRE HAUTE IND.
g 1920-1950
BEAR & BULL SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1980-1990 “Buck Creek” is stamped on the shield.
V(crown)R C. BEARDSHAW CAST STEEL prior to 1901 “Famous” is stamped on the blade. “Texas Bowie” is stamped on the back of the tang. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery. Many fakes with the “Beardshaw” name were made in the 1950-1970 period.
BEARDSLEY & ALVORD c 1853-1856 Founded by two Englishmen, and called Thompson & Gascoigne in West Winsted, Connecticut. They rented space in the Eagle Company table cutlery factory. The Eagle company closed in 1853, and Thompson and Gascoigne were left without a place to manufacture. They lacked suficient capital to move to another location, and the firm was sold to Elliot Beardsley and James R. Alvord. These two men gradually expanded manufacturing, and made the firm a profitable operation.
In 1856, they built a new factory at the Lake outlet, and they also changed the name to the Empire Knife Company. The “B & A” marking was not used after 1856. They conducted business at this location until 1876 when Mr. Beardsley died. In 1878, the firm purchased the old table cutlery factory from Lathrop and Barton. Empire Knife Company manufacturing was moved back to West Winsted.
In 1890, the firm was incorporated as the Empire Knife Company, and the Beardsley and Alvord name was dropped.
An 1869 billhead showing Beardsley & Alford marking.
BEAUJEU AINE g 1875-1900 Marked with a ship’s wheel.
BEAUVOIR
BEAVER BRAND WARRANTED g 1920-1930
BEAVER CUTLERY CO. USA g 1920-1930
BEAVER FALLS CUTLERY CO. -PA- c 1867-1886 About 1867, the Harmony Society purchased the town of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The cutlery was one of the first industries the Society moved to the town. The cutlery originated in Rochester, Pennsylvania in 1866, but the founders, Binns & Mason, lacked sufficient capital. They brought in new investors from Pittsburgh, but the company still failed.
The firm was purchased by the Harmony Society and moved to Beaver Falls in 1867. The factory was one of the largest of its day, employing 300 workers, and turning out more than 120 dozen finished products a day. Thy made all types of cutlery and tableware. In 1872, the workers went on strike. They wanted higher wages, and management would not agree. The works were closed, and management brought in 200 Chinese laborers from New Orleans, and San Francisco to reopen the plant. The reason given for bringing in the Chinese was to reduce the payroll and theft. The payroll did drop from $13,000 to $5,000, but the company still went out of business.
After the last of the Chinese left in 1877, the company slowly declined and finally closed their doors for good in 1886. The machinery for manufacturing pocket knives was sold to the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company of Little Valley, New York about 1890.
Excerpt from the 1875/76 Beaver Falls city directory.
The Beaver Falls cutlery works from a late 1870s’ picture.
BEAVERBROOK KNIFE CO. B.B. MASS. c 1902 A trademark used by the Pacific Hardware and Steel Company. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BEAVER ST. ALBANY N.Y.
BECK & GREGG HDW. CO. c 1890-1938 This hardware firm was in Atlanta, Georgia. They used their trademark “Dixie” on all types of cutlery.
(1890)
BECKER GERMANY c 1901-1919
J.H. BECKER GARANTIE c 1901-1919 Johann Heinrich Becker was a maker located at No. 11 Hoch Street, Ohligs, Germany. They specialized in the manufacture of razors.
GEBR. BECKER SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1920-1940 “Black King” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BECKHER-OTTO INC. SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1934-1943 “Serva-Bell” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BECKHER-OTTO INC. c 1934-1943 “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. Located at 118 E. 28th Street, New York City, Werner P. Otto was President. They specialized in razors and razor blades.
F.S. BECKLEY NEW BRITAIN CONN. EVERY RAZOR HAND FORGED & WARRANTED g 1900-1920
BECKMAN & ANDRESEN This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BECO c 1922-1947 A trademark used by Bering-Cortes Hardware.
BEDDY CURY BROS. g 1910-1930 “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
JOHN BEDFORD & SONS c 1865-present Located at the Lion Works, Mowbray Street, Sheffield, England, and is still in business. In addition to this firm, they also own Atkinson Brothers, the “Defiance” trademark of Abram Brooksbank, E. Parker & Sons, and A. Bright & Company. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery. Bedford used the following trademarks:
(1945) (1872) (1865)
(1953) (1940) (1865)
DANIEL BEDIEL LONG ISLAND Handle has 7-21-72 (1872) scratched into it.
BEE-KAY EVANSVILLE IND. c 1923-1929 “H.B. & Co. Germany” next to a tree is stamped on the back of the tang. A trademark used by Boetticher & Kellogg Company of Evansville, Indiana.
BEEKMAN CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1930
THE BEEKMAN CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1900-1930
C. BEERA SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1900-1930
JOHN BEET & SONS c 1849-1856 The factory was located in the Agenoria Works at 180 Broad Lane, Sheffield, England. John S. Webb was agent for Jonathan Beet and Sons. Their store was at 212 Pearl Street, New York City..
B.E.G. c 1900 A marking used by Barmer.
BEGON INOX g 1920-1940
HENRI BELIGNE c 1884-1934 Located in Langres, France, at No. 8 Rue Boillot. Sometime after 1914, the firm became Beligne & Fils. They made all types of cutlery.
(1884)
W. BELK & SON SHEFFIELD ENGLAND g 1920-1940
A. BELKNAP c 1839-1883
A.K. BELKNAP ST. JOHNSBURY VT. c 1839-1883 Amos Belknap and his son John were located on Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Amos K. Belknap served a seven year apprenticeship under Samuel Crossman, a blacksmith. Belknap became the most expert blacksmith in that part of the world, and worked in the trade until nearly 80 years of age. He was famous for edge tools, and made as many as 300 axes a year.
His son John surpassed his father in ingenuity, and was capable of designing any article desired. An average of 100 knife blades were made a week in their factory. John Belknap also invented a water wheel, and made 41 different models of this wheel. He constructed a dam on the Passumpsic River. He was swept over that same dam during high water and drowned.
The Belknaps workmanship in iron, steel and brass was of very superior quality.
J. BELKNAP * SONS & AMOS c 1875-1883
W.B. BELKNAP c 1840-1860
W.B. BELKNAP & CO. c 1860-1880
W.B. BELKNAP & CO. INC. c 1880-1904
W.B. BELKNAP HARDWARE & MFG. CO. INC.
c 1904-1968
BELKNAP INC. c 1968-1985
BELKNAP HARDWARE CO. LOUISVILLE KY. c 1968-1985 Founded by W.B. Belknap. Belknap Hardware was one of the largest firms of its type in the country. Cutlery was one of Belknap’s specialties. In addition to “Belknap,” the firm also used the trademarks, “John Primble,” “Blue Grass,” “Crusader,” “Pine Knot,” and “Blue Ribbon.” The firm was sold and the inventory dispersed in 1985. Blue Grass Cutlery was formed in 1988, and is now using these old trademarks.
(1890-1940) (1940-1985) (1905-1985)
ED. BELL BIRMINGHAM c 1884-1892 Edmond Bell was a maker of silver fruit knives in Birmingham, England.
SAMUEL BELL KNOXVILLE *TENNESSEE* c 1819-1852 Samuel Bell was born in 1798 in Pennsylvania. He served his apprenticeship in an arms factory, and made swords for the war of 1812.
He moved to Tennessee in 1819, and opened a shop in Knoxville. He manufactured hand-made jewlery, silver spoons, spurs, swords, pistol and sword handles mounted in gold and set with precious stones, silver cups, and many other items including “Bowie” type knives.
Mr. Bell was not only a silversmith and jeweler. In 1840 he was elected Mayor of Knoxville. He served until 1842, and was elected again in 1844 through 1846. In 1852, Mr. Bell sold his business and moved to San Antonio, Texas.
THOMAS BELL & COMPANY g 1920-1940
THE BELL RAZOR CO. GENEVA N.Y. FULLY WARRANTED g 1910-1930
BELL & DAVIS ATLANTA GA. c 1861 This firm made “Bowie” type knives for the Confederate States of America.
BELLE MEADE c 1909-1912 A trademark used by H.G. Lipscomb.
BELMONT c 1880-1883 Knives with this marking were sold by E.C. Simmons in the 1880’s.
BELMONT KNIFE CO. c 1920-1930 A trademark used by E. Morris.
BELMONT Box is marked “Belmont Manufacturing Co. New York.
FRED BELT c 1915-1916 This firm was at 1424 Lunt Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The main item of trade was razors.
(1915)
E. BELZ g 1910-1930 “Made in USA” is etched on the blade.
BEN’S SPECIAL g 1920-1950 “Ben’s Barber College Indianapolis Ind.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BENCH MARK KNIVES c 1970’s-1984 Located in Gastonia, North Carolina. They were makers of a unique opening knife called a Rolox. The blade slides out one end and locks open. The brand and patent was sold to Gerber Knives in 1984.
BENCH MARK KNIVES USA c 1984-1991 Rolox-type knives which were made and sold by Gerber Knives.
BENCO RUS & CO. CHICAGO ILL. g 1930-1950
BENDERS BEST 2-blade gravity knife
FRED BENDER MADE IN GERMANY
BENEDICT, WARREN & DAVIDSON CO. c 1902-1913
BENEDICT, WARREN & DAVIDSON CO. MEMPHIS TENN. c 1902-1913 Located in Memphis, Tennessee, and founded in 1900 as the Davidson-Bagley Company. In November of 1902, the firm was incorporated as the Benedict, Warren & Davidson Hardware Company. Leslie M. Stratton became President of the firm after the death of Robert D. Warren in 1909.
They purchased the Barnes & Miller Hardware Company in 1913, and merged the two under the name of the Stratton-Warren Hardware Company. The company was sold in 1968 to the Franklin Industries of New York City.
BENET FINK CHEAPSIDE g 1875-1900
BENGALL c 1748-1953 This trademark was originally a touch-mark assigned to Luke Cadman of Sheffield, England. From 1906 to 1953, it was used by T.R. Cadman.
BENGFELD & SOHN g 1900-1920
BEN HUR c 1927-1954 A trademark used by H. Herkenrath from1927-1947, and also used by the Van Camp Hardware from 1928-1954.
LEO C. BENITZ PHILA g 1875-1900
BENNETT CUTLERY WORKS CANTON OHIO c 1922 This firm was owned by Edgar Bennett.
ERIK ANTON BERG ESKILSTUNA SWEDEN c 1880-1939
BERG CUTLERY NEW YORK c 1939 Sandvik Saw & Tool Company was the import firm for Berg’s Swedish-made cutlery.
E. BERGFELD SOLINGEN g 1910-1930 “Made in Germany” is stamped on the front of the tang.
26 EDM BERGFELD & SOHNS SOLINGEN MADE IN GERMANY. g 1910-1930 “This Wonderful Razor is Produced at Solingen with the Finest Silver Steel” is stamped on the back of the tang. Anheuser Busch Inc. (eagle) is etched on the blade.
BERGISCHE STALH INDUSTRIES c 1924-1925 Located in Remscheid, Germany. They were makers of “Rust Proof Steel Cutlery.” Dr. H.G. Boker, A. Hilger, Dr. K. Hauck, Dr. O. Ruppert, and K. Teichmann were members of the firm.
(1924)
BERGS BOLAG ESKILSTUNA SWEDEN c 1897-1913 This company won medals for their cutlery in Stockholm (1897), and Paris (1900).
BERING-CORTES HARDWARE CO. c 1905-1947 Located at 806 Prairie Avenue, Houston, Texas. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
(1922)
BERK CUTLERY CO. NEW YORK g 1910-1930
BERKERLEY g 1920-1930
HENRY BERKELE NEW YORK c 1906-1907 Located at 43 Leonard Street, New York City. They specialized in razors. Berkele used the trademark “Rose Brand.”
(1906)
BERKSHIRE CUT. CO. USA c 1939 This was a trademark used by Simmons Hardware.
BERKSHIRE CUTL. WORKS GERMANY c 1939 “O-U-NO” is stamped on the bolster. This was a trademark used by Simmons Hardware.
BERLIN CUTLERY CO.
BERMANIA & CO. g 1900-1915 “India” is stamped on the blade.
ALBERT BERNI PORTLAND ORE. GERMANY g 1910-1930 “Lewis & Clark Special” is stamped on the front of the tang.
EUGENE BERNINGHAUS CO. CINCINNATI c 1879-1950 Marked on the back of the tang. “Signet E.B.” inside a fancy oval is marked on the front of the tang.
GEBR BERNS SOLINGEN (otter) c 1840-present
S.F. BEROODY g 1900-1910
BERRIDGE SHEAR COMPANY STURGIS MICHIGAN c 1880-1952 This firm was founded about 1880 in Sturgis, Michigan at the corner of St. Joseph and Jefferson Streets. They specialized in shears and tinners snips, but also made other types of cutlery.
CHAS. G. BERRY CHICAGO ILL. g 1910-1930
WILL BERRY c 1862 This maker was located in Georgia. He made “Bowie” type knives for the Confederate States of America.
BERSTEIN & WOLSEY
C. BERTRAM GERMANY c 1865-1975 Carl Bertram Reinh Sohn, Solingen, Germany is the original manufacturer of the “hen and rooster” knives. In 1975, the firm was sold to A.G. Russell of Springdale, Arkansas. The firm continued until 1980, when the factory in Solingen closed.
The hen and rooster trademark was purchased by several Americans, who formed a new company, Bertram Cutlery. Knives with this marking are being produced in Solingen by Robert Klaas, makers of the Kissing Crane Brand.
This firm made contract knives, with the hen and rooster on one side of the tang, and numerous other names on the opposite side of the tang. Bertram made knives in the late 1960s’ and early 1970s’ for Carter Cutlery (Carter, Jeffrey, Kane, Voss, John-I-Son, Ky-Col), Marks, Gutmann Cutlery, Fife Cutlery, Mar-cal, A.G. Russell, and L & N Loan Co. (Lipschultz). All of these knives had the hen and rooster marking #2 on them. Knives marked “*Germany*” were made about 1980.
#1 (1865-1955) #2 (!955-1980) #3 (unknown)
BERTRAM GERMANY c 1975-1980 The “hen and rooster” trademark is stamped on the back of the tang. This marking was used by A.G. Russell during the time he owned this firm.
BERTRAM CUTLERY GERMANY c 1981-present The “hen and rooster” trademark is stamped on the back of the tang. Made by Robert Klaas of Solingen, and imported by an American investment group started by James Frost, Howard Rabin, and Hugo Schiesen.
BEST CO. GERMANY g 1920-1940
BEST Q (inside a shield) STEEL g 1950-1970
BEST ENGLISH CUTLERY c 1850-1860 “For the Gold Searchers Protection” is etched on the blade of a “Bowie” type knife
R. BEST NEW YORK g 1875-1900
BEST MADE STEEL c 1939 A trademark used by Blish-Mize-Silliman Hardware.
BEST SHEFFIELD CUTLERY g 1825-1875
BEST SILVER STEEL RAZOR g 1820-1850
BEST SILVER STEEL SOLINGEN MADE IN GERMANY Marking is on the back of the tang. “Saba” is marked on the front.
BESTE ***QUALITAT TUCKMAR* SILBER STEEL SOLINGEN g 1875-1900
BESTEEL WARRANTED g 1945-1960
BETA BOS’N g 1940-1950
H.S. BETTES PARIS TEXAS c 1885-1916
H.S. BETTES HDWE. CO. PARIS TEXAS c 1893-1916 This firm is first listed in the Paris, Texas directory in 1885 as “Hicks and Bettes, hardware merchants.” About 1893, the firm became the Harry S. Bettes Hardware Company, at 288 Bonham Street. In 1916, the store was burned. This was the last known year the firm was in business.
BETZ GERMANY g 1920-1940
BETZ-PIERCE c 1911-1915 This firm was at 2230-4 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
BEX g 1930-1950
BEVERWYCK NO. 10 GERMANY g 1920-1940 “Made for A H I Co. Albany N.Y.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
J.W. BEVINS This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
B.H. SPECIAL GERMANY c 1910 A marking used by Biddle Hardware.
BIDDLE HDW. CO. c 1837-1920 Located at 517 Commerce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1913. They dealt in all types of cutlery. About 1920, the firm became the Supplee-Biddle Hardware Company.
Excerpt from the1920 Biddle catalog. The
knives are marked “B.H. Co. Germany”
AL BIDON (penquin) g 1900-1920 “Pradel Peres (barrel)” is stamped on the back of the tang.
JUSTICE BIERHOFF OHLIGS g 1900-1930
FRED BIFFAR CHICAGO c 1917-1922 This company was at 180 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois. Biffar was manager of the Sears-Roebuck gun department in the early 1900’s, and in 1928 was treasurer of the Rohde-Spence Company, wholesale jewelers. Biffar used the trademarks “Dixie Guard” and “Dixie Switch.”
BIFFMAN GERMANY g 1920-1940
BIGELOW & DOWSE BOSTON c 1872-1955
BIGELOW & DOWSE HDW & CUT CO. c 1839-1955 This company began about 1839 when Samuel A. Bigelow and Charles F. Dowse opened a store on Franklin Street in Boston, Massachusetts. They also operated a branch in Springfield, Massachusetts, and continued to do business until about 1955.
Excerpt from c 1900 Bigelow & Dowse catalog.
BIG HORN MARK c 1971-1975 (made in Italy) H. Willis Company of Louisville, Kentucky imported these knives.
BIGGS SPENCER & CO. Box marked “Sheffield & Chicago, fine cutlery and guns.
J.W. BILLINGS XXL CUTLERY SHEFFIELD g 1850-1900
BILLINGS & SPENCER CO. HARTFORD CT. c 1869-1963 Located at 142 Russ Street, corner of Lawrence, Hartford, Connecticut. Charles E. Billings was president and superintendent. He was granted patents on a knife-pistol in 1868, a sliding blade knife March 15, 1892, and on a butterfly type knife in 1908. The company specialized in drop forgings, and the knives were made from about 1869 to 1914.
This knife is marked “The Billings & Spencer Co. Hartford Conn.”
BILLY BARLOW c 1882-1891 A trademark used by Maher & Grosh. In the Maher and Grosh 1890 catalog they say, “Old Billy Barlow–There were so many calls for a knife the style of the old Barlow, that we got this up in 1882, and have sold thousands of dozens at wholesale. The handle is iron; the blade is of extra quality, and may be had either spear pointed, or sheepfoot point.”
An all metal barlow, marked “Billy Barlow” on the
bolsters, and “Lyon Cutlery Co.” on the tang of the blade.
BINDLEY HARDWARE CO. c 1898 This firm was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(fox) C.T. BINGHAM LATE F. FENNEY TALLY HO SHEFFIELD c 1860 F. Fenney was in business as late as 1858, and C.T. Bingham took over his business by 1860. R.S. Stenton, 1 Platt & 229 Pearl Streets, New York city was agent for Bingham.
(1860)
BINGHAM & OGDEN c 1858-1938 William Bingham & a man named Ogden founded this firm in Sheffield, England in 1858. They went out of business in about 1938.
BINGHAM GERMANY c 1841-1948 “Bingham’s Best Brand” is etched on the blade.
W. BINGHAM CO. CLEVELAND c 1841-1948 Located in Cleveland, Ohio, at 146-150 Water Street, and also at 97-99 Superior Street in 1895. In addition to the firm’s name, they also used the trademarks “XLCR” (excelsior), and “BBB” (Bingham’s Best Brand).
(1883)
J. BINGHAMS g 1875-1900
SELECT BINGHAM OGDEN
BINGHAMPTON CUTLERY CO. c 1888-1894 This business was started by J.M. Hanford in Richmond, Indiana about 1884. In 1888, it was moved to Binghampton, New York. They were manufacturers of pocket knives, importers of razors, and agents for the Ohio Co-operative Shear Company. Their pocket knives were stamped on the blade “The Very Best” and were hand forged from Wardlow’s English steel. J.M. Hanford was manager, G.S. North, and J.E. McCall were members of the firm. The office was at 215 Washington Street until 1894 when it was moved to Room 31 of the Ackerman Building.
A 2-blade jack, wood handles marked:
“Binghamton Cutlery Co.”
BINNS & MASON c 1866 Founded in 1866 in Rochester, Pennsylvania by two enterprising men, Edward Binns and Samuel Mason. They started a small factory for the manufacture of pocket knives. They were located on the Brighton Road (also known as Delaware Avenue).
Samuel Mason was a master cutler from Sheffield, England. He had come to the United States (as early as 1846) to work in a factory in Waterbury, Connecticut. He left and helped start the Northfield Knife Company in 1858. That company was taken over by local businessmen, and Mason left in 1865. He moved to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, where he and Binns started this firm in 1866.
The two men soon found they needed further capital to operate their business. They found investors in Pittsburgh, in Dr. Curtis Hussey, General Thomas Howe, and James W. Brown. A charter was obtained for the firm on October 13, 1866, and the name was changed at that time to the Pittsburgh Cutlery Company. Two different markings have been seen on the knives — “Binns & Mason” and “Rochester Penna.”
A four-blade equal end pen knife, ivory handles, nickel silver
bolsters & shield. Marked “Binns & Mason” on all four blades.
F. BIRCK c 1913-1931 Located at No. 17 Cooper Square, Jersey City, New Jersey. They were originally known as Birk (Fred) and Zamminer (Phillip). They operated two stores, the one in Jersey City, and one in New York City.
In 1913, the partnership was dissolved. Fred Birk then owned the store in New Jersey, and Zamminer the store in New York. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
(1910)
BIRD KNOXVILLE g 1920-1950
F & H BIRKENDAHL SOLINGEN g 1900-1910
BIRKO SOLINGEN g 1930-1950
J. BIRKS & SON PORTER ST. SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
BIRMINGHAM KNIFE CO. c 1849 The Birmingham Knife Factory was in Birmingham (Derby), Connecticut. This firm made pocket knives.
BIRMINGHAM WHIP & RAZOR CO. BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA g 1920-1940 “Dixie Queen” is stamped on the front of the tang.
B.K. BIRNEY & CO. LOUISVILLE KY. g 1900-1920
BISCO SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1930-1940
G. BISHOP g 1875-1900
L. BISHOP & SONS g 1900-1920
WILLIAM BISHOP c 1850-1851 40 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
BISHOP CUTLERY CO. g 1920-1940 Cleveland, Ohio.
BISMARK RAZOR WORKS SOLINGEN GERMANY
g 1900-1930
BISMARK MADE IN SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1900-1930
BISON MFG. CO. LITTLE VALLEY N.Y. c 1902-1910 This firm was operated by Jean L. Reed and Carrie Reed. The main item of trade was razors.
(1902)
BISON JAPAN g 1950-1960
INOX (vertical) BISTRO FRANCE g 1920-1950
B.K. COMPANY g 1875-1900
BKO
BLACK c 1890-1928 A large “B” is stamped on the bolster of a barlow knife. These knives were sold by the J. Lindsay and Supplee Hardware Companys. They were advertised as being American-made, fully warranted.
J. BLACK & CO. g 1900-1910
JAMES BLACK c 1830-1836
THE BOWIE KNIFE AND JAMES BLACK
The legend of James Black has been around since 1903, when Daniel Webster Jones wrote his reminiscences of events which took place during his childhood. Jones was an officer in the Confederate Army, a lawyer, and a politician. He is the main source of information concerning Black, and Black’s connection with the Bowie knife.
James Black was born in a village in the state of New Jersey, on May 1, 1800. At the early age of eight, he ran away from home and went to Philadelphia, where he apprenticed to a manufacturer of silver-plated ware, [a] name Henderson. NOTE: A James Black is listed as a silversmith in 1895, and 1811, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A.A. Henderson is listed in 1837. –American Silversmith’s Marks, in the Book of Old Silver, Wyler 1937.
His apprenticeship expired in 1818. He had become quite expert in the silver-plating business, and intended to make it his occupation for life, but, (as he often said to me) owing to the want of sufficient tariff, this ‘went to the wall.’ This fact made him a Whig in politics.
After being released from apprenticeship, young Black came west, and eventually helped lay off into a town what is now known as Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Here he found employment with a blacksmith named Shaw. In those days the village blacksmith was a far more important man than he is now. In fact, no community could then get along without its blacksmith, and in social as well as in business circles, he stood with the best. NOTE: Arkansas became a state June 15, 1836
Shaw had a large family of boys and girls, the oldest girl, Anne, was some three or four years younger than Black and was quite pretty, intelligent, and attractive. She was one of the Belles of the town and greatly admired by all of the young men. Shaw seemed to have had great expectations in her, for, when he saw that Black had won her heart, he was unwilling to let her go to this young man, who was ‘without fortune or a name,’ and he bitterly opposed their union. Nevertheless, Black was a general favorite with the community, was tall, well formed, handsome, full of life, vigor, energy, courage, genius, and ambition, and Shaw could not very well get along without him. He soon mastered his new trade and, far and wide, was recognized as the best blacksmith in the country. Shaw took him into partnership with himself, rather than let Black set up an opposition shop, and they did an immense business for those days. Nothwithstanding this, however, Shaw’s opposition to his daughter’s marriage with Black continued , which so disheartened the young man that he concluded to leave Washington and go farther west, but not until he obtained the girl’s promise to keep her troth with him until he shoul return. Acting upon this impulse, he journeyed westward.
After an absence of five or six years, he returned to Washington and married Anne Shaw, who had remained true to him, although her father still opposed the union. He opened a blacksmith shop and soon had all the work he could attend to. At that time Washington was a frontier settlement, and nearly all men went armed, the weapon most relied on being the knife. All kinds of characters came there, the most desperate of desperadoes, as well as men of a gentle mold, but all understood that each man must look out for himself. Finding the demand for the knife to be so great, Black applied himself largely to manufacturing them, and specially to tempering the steel of which they were made. It soon became well known that his knives were the best that could be obtained, and his reputation spread far and wide. The shape of the knife was according to the taste of the person ordering it, it being the custom for each man to furnish a pattern, made of wood or pasteboard, of the exact size and shape of the knife wanted. Black’s experience during his apprenticeship as a silver-plater [a] enabled him to plate his knives, either with silver or gold, when required by the purchaser, which gave them an additional charm and higher price. It was his rule, after shaping and tempering a knife and before polishing it, to cut a very hard wood with it, generally an old hickory ax handle, which had been used for a long time and become quite tough and hard. This he would do for a half-hour and then, if the knife would not easily shave the hair from his arm, he would throw it away. His knives ranged in price from five dollars to fifty-two dollars each–the price varying according to the quality of gold or silver used in plating, the five-dollar knife having no plating at all–but temper of each was the same, each being submitted to the severe test above mentioned.
About 1833, or 1834, perhaps earlier, James Bouie came to Washington, Arkansas and gave Black an order for a knife, furnishing a pattern and desiring it to be made within the following sixty or ninety days, when he would call for it. Black made the knife according to Bouie’s pattern. He knew Bouie well and had a high estimation of him as a man of good taste as well as unflinching courage. He had never made a knife which suited his own taste in point of shape and concluded this to be a good opportunity to do so. Consequently, after completing the knife ordered by Bouie, he made another one and when Bouie returned, showed them both to him, and explained the difference between them, at the same time giving him his choice, at the same price. Bouie promptly selected Black’s pattern. Shortly after this, Bouie became involved in a difficulty with three desperadoes, who assaulted him with knives. He killed them all with the knife Black had made. After this, when anyone ordered a knife from Black, instead of furnishing a pattern as formerly, he would order it to be made like Bouie’s which finally was shortened into, ‘Make me a Bouie Knife.’ Thus the famous weapon acquired its name.
Bouie himself was not a mechanic of any kind. He was killed in the Alamo with David Crockett, surrounded by dead Mexicans whom he had killed with that same knife.
Other men made knives in those days and they are still being made, but no one has ever made the ‘Bouie Knife’ except James Black. Its chiefest value was in its temper. Black undoubtly possessed the Damascus secret. It came to him mysteriously and it died with him in the same way, as I will presently show. He has often told me that no one taught him the secret, and that it was impossible for him to tell how he acquired it. His apprenticeship only gave him experience in plating iron and steel, not in making them. Large offers were made to him for the secret, but he refused them all. He was stealthily watched in order that his process might be discovered, but his reputation for courage was such that no one approached him too closely after being warned once to desist.
After becoming the mother of four children, three boys and a girl, Mrs. Black, the wife of James Black, died, about the year 1837, or 1838. In the meantime Black had acquired a quite comfortable little fortune for those days and had the confidence and esteem of all his neighbors but had never succeeded in appeasing his father-in-law, Shaw, whose dislike seemed to have become intensified after his daughter’s death. During the summer of 1839, while Black was alone at home, [b] suffering from the effects of a protracted fever and considerable enfeebled and reduced, Shaw came there and made an unprovoked assualt upon him with a heavy stick, striking him over the head a number of blows and almost killing him before loosing his hold. This beating caused inflamation in Black’s eyes, which resulted in the loss of his eye sight. After sufficiently regaining his strength, he started for Philadelphia for treatment, but on the way was persuaded by someone to stop at Cincinatti and try a celebrated eye doctor there. He did so, but the doctor proved to be an unprincipled empiric who completely destroyed his sight. He then returned to Washington, after an absence of about a year, coming by the wayb of New Orleans, where he went to see the justly celebrated Dr. Stone, [c] who examined his eyes and informed him that the Cincinatti quack had forever destroyed his eyesight and that his remaining days would be spent in darkness. This proved to be true.
Upon returning to Washington, Arkansas, Black found that Shaw had administered upon his estate and had gotten away with all his property. Administration upon a live man’s estate is certainly an anomaly in the law, but this is one instance of it. Black was blind, without a dollar, and in those days lawyers were scarce in that section and not much given to charity, or wholly contingent, while Shaw, on the contrary had money and had already employed the best lawyers in the country. And so Black was robbed by his father-in-law, after having been deprived of one of his most valuable senses by him. But Black was not altogether desolate. There lived on the Red River, at a plantation, owned by them, two most excellent gentlemen named Jacob and John Buzzard. Their home was on a high bluff on the Red River, known as Buzzard’s Bluff, then in Lafayette (now Miller) County, Arkansas. They knew Black well and, learning his condition, invited him to make his home with them, which he accepted. Here he lived for about two years, or until the year 1842, when he learned that Dr. Isaac N. Jones, who had removed from Bouie County, Texas to Washington, Arkansas, about a year previously, was becoming widely known as a skillful physician and surgeon. At his request, the Buzzards sent him to Washington to see Dr. Jones and have him examine his eyes. After examining them, the doctor informed him that there was a very slight possibility of restoring the sight of the right eye, but that of the left was irretrievable lost, and that it would be necessary for him to come to Washington where he could see him constantly. Black replied that his utter destitution would prevent this. ‘No,’ said the doctor, ‘you can come and live with me. I am able and willing to take care of you and trust to the future for compensation.’ Dr. Isaac N. Jones was my father and at that time I was an infant just beginning to prattle.
Black came to my father’s and lived with us as a member of the family until his death, June 22, 1872, some thirty years. My father used his best skill to restore his eyesight, but without success, and finally told him that it would be useless to longer torture with the treatment when there was no hope, but that he should be an inmate of his family while he lived, and that he would see after and advise his young boys–there were four of us– while he was away from home attending his patients, of whome there were very many. My father died on February 11, 1858, after being killed by the explosion of a steam boiler on his plantation, but Black, by common consent of the family, remained with us. After the death of my mother, in January, 1867, I took him to my house at Washington, where he lived until his death. My earliest recollections are connected with him. His kindness and fatherly advise to me and my brothers endeared him to us all, and my father felt that he was sufficiently compensated by the manner in which he executed the trust of looking after us. He was greatly attached to us all, but specially to my oldest brother, Isaac, and after his death, at the age of fourteen, his affections for him were transfered to me.
His room was my father’s office, in the same enclosure with the family residence. By his own request, his meals were brought to him there, and he ate them alone, but they were always taken from the family table before any one was served. I slept in the same room with him, reat to him both light literature and history, and led him about when he desired to go anywhere from the place. He was a man of extraordinary memory and was always made the referee on all controversies amoung the old settlers when they failed to agree as to any occurence of early time. He was universally esteemed as a man of the strictest integrity and uprightness. Night after night, I have listened to him until midnight, reciting to me incidents of the early days of the section of the state, and I have often regretted that I did not write them down as he told me of them. Time and again, when I was a boy, he would say to me that nothwithstanding his great misfortune, God blessed him in a new manner by giving him such a good home, and that he would repay it all by disclosing to me his secret of tempering steel when I should arrive at maturity and be able to utilize it to my own advantage.
On the first day of May, 1870, his seventieth birthday, he said to me that he was getting old and in the ordinary course of nature could not expect to live a great while longer; that I was then thirty years old, with a wife and growing family, and sufficiently acquainted with the affairs of the world to properly utilize the secret which he had so often promised to give me; and that, if I would get pen, ink, and paper, he would communicate it to me and I could write it down. I brought them and told him I was ready.
He said ‘in the first place,’ and then stopped suddenly and commenced rubbing his brow with the fingers of his right hand. He continued this for some minute and then said ‘go away and come back in an hour’ while he still rubbed his brow. I went out of the room, but remained where I could see him, and not for one moment did he take his fingers from his brow, or change his position. At eht expiration of the hour, I went into the room and spoke to him. Without changing his position, or movement, he said, ‘go out again and come back in another hour.’ I went out and watched him for another hour, his conduct being the same. Upon speaking to him at the expiration of the second hour, he said, without altering his movements, ‘go out again and come back in another hour.’ I again went out and watched, the same thing continuing. When I came in and spoke to him at the end of the third hour, he burst into a flood of tears and said, ‘My God, my God, it is all gone from me! All these years I have accepted the kindness of the good people on the belief that I could repay it all with the legacy, and now, when I attempt to do it, I cannot! Daniel, there were ten, or twelve processes through which I put my knives, but I cannot remember even one of them. When I told you to get the pen, ink, and paper, they were all fresh in myb mind, but they are all gone. My God, my God, I have put it off too long!’
I looked at him in awe and wonder, the skin from his forehead having been completely rubbed away by his fingers, his singless eyes filled with tears and his whold face the very picture of grief and despair. I could only say, ‘Never mind, never mind, Mr. Black; it is all in the wisdom of God. He knows best. Don’t worry.”
For a little over two years longer he lived on, but he was ever after an imbecile. He lies buried in the old graveyard at Washington and with him lies buried the wonderful secret which God gave to him and was unwilling for him to impart to others.
[a] In 1808, the only two methods of plating were 1. Sheffield Plate — a process of coating copper with silver by fusion. This process was invented in 1742 by Thomas Boulsover of Sheffield, England. 2. Close plating–This process appeared in about 1805 in Birmingham, England. Flat ware– steel knives, forks, etc were plated with thin sheets of silver attached by soldering. Electro-plating was not introduced into the United States until the early 1840’s. None of these methods seems to fit into this story.
[b] According to a decendent, Shaw took Black’s children to Texas. They would have still been young and, Shaw reared them there. Their fate is never mentioned in this story.
[c] Why did he not go to New Orleans first? If this doctor was so celebrated, he whould have been the logical choice. New Orleans was much closer than Philadelphia or Cincinatti and he would logically have been the first doctor consulted.
Fay Hempstead published his “Pictorial History of Arkansas” in 1890. In it he states, ‘James Bowie was a small, quick man from Maryland. Bowie was challenged to a duel, the conditions of the contest were that the combatants whould tie their hands together over a log between them, and with the right hand to cut with a large knife until deat, or until one was satisfied. Bowie had no knife to suit him, and there were no place nearer than old Washington at which he could get one. He went there, but could find none to suit him. He then found Black, who had come there from Philadelphia as a blacksmith and silversmith a short time previously, and was an expert workman. Bowie gave him the size and pattern of the knife he wanted to cut from stiff paper. Black made the knife as directed, and Bowie used it in the duel, killing his antagonist with it. The pattern of the blade was peculiar, and all similar knives came to be called Bowie Knives.’
Judge W.F. Pope in his book “Early Days in Arkansas” (1895) wrote; ‘In 1827 or 1828, there came to Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, from where I do not know, a man named Black who was an expert workman in all kinds of metals, being also a gunsmith, and who possessedthesecret of tempering steel toa hardness that has never been equalled since. There was then living at Walnut Hills, Lafayette County, a wealthy planter named Reason (sic) Bowie, who afterwards fell at the storming of the Alamo.
‘On one of his visits to Washington, Bowie called on Black the artificier, and engaged him to make a hunting knife after a certain pattern of his own designing. Bowie whittled out of the top of a cigar box the exact shape of the knife he desired made. Black undertook the job and turned out the implement of the hunt which was afterward known as the Bowie knife. The hilt was elaborately ornament with silver designs, Black’s charge for the work was ten dollars, but Bowie was so pleased with the excellence of the knife that he gave the maker fifty dollars.
‘I do not hesitate to make the statement that no genuine Bowie knives have ever been made outside the state of Arkansas, for when Black died, some time after the late war, his secret of tempering steel, which is the main point of excellence of the Bowie knife died with him.’
In the “Arkansas Gazette” September 1, 1872 it stated, The Washington Telegram contains the following scrap of history; The Prairie County Democrat says that James Black, the maker of the first Bowie knife died at Hempstead, Texas (the original article in the Democrat probably had the correct state) a few days ago. We expect to hear of this death all over the country as soon as the election is over and items get scarce. Everybody who knew James Black in his lifetime and who know anything of the true history of the Bowie knife, knows that he had lived at this place, for many years before his death. It was here in this town that the first Bowie was manufactured, and here Mr. Black died, without imparting the secret ofits unequaled temper.
On Aurust 24, 1838, Rezin Bowie wrote a letter from Iberville, Louisiana in which he stated, ‘The first Bowie knife was made by myself in the parish of Avoyelles, in this state (Lousiana), as a hunting knife, for which purpose, exclusively, it was used for many years. The length of the blade was 9¼ inches, its width 1½ inches, single edged and blade not curved. Colonel James Bowie had been shot by an individual with whom he was at variance and as I presumed that a second attempt would be made by the same person to take his life, I gave him the knife to be used as occasion might require, as a defensive weapon. Some time afterwards, and the only time the knife was ever used for any purpose other than that for which it was intended, or originally designed, it was resorted to by Col. James Bowie in a chance medley, or rough fight, between himself and certain other indiciduals with whom he was then inimical, and the knife was then used only as a defensive weapon and not till he had been shot down; it was then the means of saving his life. The improvements in its fabrication and the state of perfection which it has since acquired from experienced cutlers, was brought about through my agency. I would here assert also that neither Col. Bowie or myself, at any period of our lives ever had a duel with any person soever.’
Other records indicate the knife was made by Jesse Cliff, a blacksmith working for Rezin Bowie.
The knife would have been several years old when the famous Sand Bar fight took place on September 19, 1827.
Miss Lucy Bowie wrote (1916?) ‘In 1832, the brothers went north; Rezin wished to consult the celebrated Dr. Pepper of Philadelphia about his eyes. On that same northern trip, he gave into the hands of a Philadelphia cutler the model of the Bowie knife. The cutler improved it and placed them on the market, the blade was shortened to eight inches; a curve was made in one side of the point and both edges were sometimes sharpened.’
Noah Smithwick was born in South Carolina in 1808. He was in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1827, and left in that year to go to Texas. He spent much of his life in Texas, not leaving until 1861 when he moved to California. He compiled his memoirs, and his daughter published them in 1900 under the name “The Evolution of a State.”
Smithwick became acquainted with James Bowie in 1828, when Bowie arrived in San Felipe de Austin, Texas. Smithwick was operating a blacksmith and gunshop at that time. When Bowie first came to San Felipe in 1828, he wore his knife, which Smithwick describes as:
‘An ordinary affair, with a plain wooden handle, but when Bowie recovered from his wound, he had the precious blade polished and set into an ivory handle mounted with silver; the scabbard also being silver mounted. Not wishing to degrade it by ordinary use, he brought the knife to me in San Felipe to have a duplicate made. The blade was about 10 inches long and two broad at the widest part. When it became known that I was making a genuine Bowie knife, there was a great demand for them, so I cut a pattern and started a factory, my jobs bringing all the way from $5.00 to $20.00 according to finish.
Smithwick and Bowie met again in Texas, as he served under Bowie in the battle of Concepcion against the Mexicans, and in other battles.
A letter from LU WATERS, g-g-g-granddaughter of James Black Grandfather Shaw took his family, including his grandchildren, down the southwest trail into Texas and was never heard from again. Cherokee County, Texas records show where William Shaw purchased land there and later records show a 19 page probate of his estate which names each of his children and grandchildren. James Black’s children were apprenticed to their grandfather in 1842. The children were; William Jefferson, Grandison Deroyston, Thomas Colbert, Sydinham, and Sara Jane.
U.S. census records indicate that James Black was born in 1800 in Pennsylvania.
Arkansas Gazette Newspaper records the marriage of James Black and Anne Shaw in 1828, the dealth of Anne Black in 1835, the death of James Balck in 1872
Hempstead County Court records show that James Black was a blacksmith as he filed suit in 1834 against the estate of Samuel Howard for a balance of a debt for making mill irons, shoeing a horse, and laying on steel on catches.
Court records indicate that on May 11, 1836, James Black was declared unable to manage his affairs, and his father-in-law William Shaw was appointed to be his guardian. Black had enjoyed a period of success, from 1831 to 1836 during which time he might have been engaged in making silver and gold mounted knives, as Governor Jones later claimed. In 1836, Black had become frail and handicaped, both mentally and physically as a result of severe injuries, and he was never again able to work or even to care for himself.
James Black brought suit against William Shaw in 1839 for recognizance to keep the peace.
The Washington Telegraph newspaper printed an editorial by Editor James P. Jett in 1841 giving credit to James Black for making Bowie knives.
In April, 1844, Black was declared legally blind, and a pauper.
In July, 1844, Dr. I.N. Jones began to be paid $10 per month by the county to care for James Black.
THE CARRIGAN KNIFE
The ownership of this knife goes back to a Mr. Augustus Garland, who said he was given it by his stepfather, Judge Hubbard in 1853. Garland knew it already to be an old-fashioned knife in 1853.
Garland was born in 1832, and grew up in Washington, Arkansas. He knew James Black personally, and called him “Uncle Jimmy.” According to Garland, Black often told him how he made a knife for both Jim and Rezin Bowie. In truth, Garland would know that Black also made his knife because Black probably identified it as such to both him and Judge Hubbard.
A “Coffin Handle” Bowie, handle wrapped in silver
–probably a modern copy of a James Black Bowie.
Black did not use a cross-guard on his knives.
BLACK (backward F) F TRADEMARK (below two F’s) SMITH after 1924 “S.R. Droescher Garwood N.J. Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
RUSS W. BLACK PITTSBURGH PA. MADE IN GERMANY g 1900-1930 “Volunteer” is stamped on the front of the tang.
A 3¼” barlow, marked”Black” on the tang. These
knives were sold by the Supplee Hardware.
BLACK DEMON
THE BLACK DIAMOND c 1900-1940 A trademark used by Krusius Brothers. “A.L. Underland Omaha Nebr.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
FULLY BLACK DIAMOND WARRANTED (etched on the blade) c 1900-1940 A trademark used by Krusius Brothers. “L.L.B. Fully Warranted Made in Germany” is stamped on the tang.
BLACK DIAMOND CUTLERY CO. NEW YORK
c 1900-1940 A trademark used by Krusius Brothers.
BLACK DIAMOND Marked on the front of the tang, “C.M. Harris Scranton PA Made in Germany” is marked on the back of the tang.
BLACK DIAMOND c 1900-1939 A trademark used by the Norvell-Shapleigh Hardware, and Shapleigh Hardware.
BLACK HAWK GERMANY STAINLESS c 1939 A switch-blade knife. A trademark used by the Cutler Hardware.
BLACK JACK c 1892-1920 A trademark used by E.C. Simmons.
BLACK JACK c 1919-1925 “James G. Barry Co. Chicago Ill.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLACK KING g 1920-1940 “Gebr. Becker Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLACK PEARL g 1910-1930 “Edw. Smith Boston Mass Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLACK PRINCE c 1904-1950 A trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh & Shapleigh.
BLACK (arrow) WEDGE “Silver India Steel Razor Warranted” is marked on the back of the tang.
BLACK WONDER c 1906-1910 A trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh.
R. BLACKINGTON & CO. ATTLEBORO MASS.
c 1863-1894 This company was organized in 1863 with R. Blackington, T.S. Mann and Walter Ballou as members. They manufactured jewelry, hollow ware, and silver fruit knives.
PHILIP BLACKMAN PHILADELPHIA PA. MADE IN GERMANY g 1900-1930
ALFRED BLACKWELL SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
g 1910-1930
BLACONI g 1920-1940 “John Weis Nashville Tenn. Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ADOLPH BLAICH RAZOR STEEL c 1895-1915 J.S. Holler Germany is marked on the back of the tang.
ADOLPH BLAICH SAN FRANCISCO c 1885-1954 This firm used two trademarks, “Arrow Brand” and “Razor Steel.” Mr. Blaich first appears in business in San Francisco in 1885 as the owner of the firm of Kinder & Company. By 1895, he was “Adolph Blaich, agent and importer for J.S. Holler & Company 35 Montgomery Street.” The firm remained under this listing in the city directory until 1915, when they moved to 193 Mission, and were listed as the “Adolph Blaich Company, dealers in sporting goods.” Mr. Blaich was listed as president. In 1932 they moved to 583 Market, and in 1944 to 543 Howard, where they remained until 1954. Blaich was an agent for J.S. Holler c 1880-1906, and many knives are marked with both the J.S. Holler & Co. and Adolph Blaich names.
(1880) (1880)
CHARLES BLAIR COLLINSVILLE c 1857-1859 A cutler, Blair made 1000 pikes for abolitionist John Brown. Brown ordered these pikes in 1857, and delivery was made in 1859. These pikes are rare as most of them were later sent to the Rock Island Arsenal and destroyed.
BLAKE & LAMB UTICA N.Y. c 1867-1939 This firm was incorporated in 1867 in Waterbury, Connecticut, as makers and dealers in game traps and other small articles. In 1895, the plant was purchased by G.B. Lamb, President, R.S. Wotkyns, Secretary, and J.D. Elton, Treasurer.
By 1939, the trademark was owned by the Hawkins Company of S. Britain, Connecticut. Knives marked “Utica” were made by the Utica Cutlery Company for Blake & Lamb.
EDWARD BLAHL WASHINGTON D.C. g 1910-1930
WILLIAM BLAIR & CO. CHICAGO g 1920-1940
WM. BLAIR & CO. CHICAGO ILL. g 1920-1940
BLAND 28 c 1795-1836 John Bland was in Sheffield, England.
BLECKMANN SUPERIOR CUTLERY c 1808-1980 A switch-blade knife. This firm was in Solingen, Germany.
J.E. BLECKMANN c 1808-1980 John Elias Bleckmann was an exporter originally in Ronsdorf, Germany. His main business was exporting to England. From 1850-1860, Bleckmann had an agency in New York City. Gustavus A. Scheidt was managing agent at the New York office.
BLIEF KNIFE CO. g 1900-1920
THE F.P. BLISH HARDWARE CO. SO. MANCHESTER CT.
g 1910-1930
BLISH, MIZE & SILLIMAN H’DWE CO. c 1871-present
BLISH-MIZE-SILLIMAN HDW. CO. c 1871-present Located in Atchison, Kansas, and was founded in 1871 by D.P. Blish, E.A. Mize, and J.B. Silliman, who were all related by marriage. They incorporated in 1888. The trademark “Mohawk” was used on all types of cutlery.
(1898)
C.J. BLITTERSDORF PHILADELPHIA PA. c 1861-1888 This firm was a manufacturer of shoe makers tools, and cutlery. They also manufactured “Bowie” type knives.
BLITZ KNIFE c 1946-1947 A trademark used by W.F. Harwell.
BLO-BER g 1920-1940 “Mercer B.S. Co. Sharon Pa. M.I. Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE BIRD g 1920-1940 “G.D. Abrams & Son Wayland N.Y.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE DIAMOND c 1901-1908 A trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh.
BLUEFIELD HDW. CO. g 1910-1930
BLUEFIELD HDWE CO. g 1910-1930
BLUE GRASS c 1898-1985 A trademark used by Belknap Hardware.
BLUE GRASS c 1909 Clark & Parsons Co. of Oakland Me. used this trademark on grass hooks.
REAL BLUE POINT RAZOR MADE BY EXPERTS SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1925-1926 “W.R. Case & Sons Bradford Pa.” is stamped on the back of the tang. “Real Blue Point” was a trademark of the Universal Cutlery Company of Youngstown, Ohio.
BLUE RIBBON CUT. CO. c 1910-1952 A trademark used by Belknap Hardware.
BLUE RIBBON E.F. STEPHAN NEW HAVEN g 1920-1930
BLUE SEAL g 1920-1940
BLUE STEEL g 1927-1957 “Kinfolks USA” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL g 1920-1940 “Denison B.S. Co. Denison Texas” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL g 1910-1915 “Cresent Cutlery Co.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL g 1920-1940 “Archer Mfg. Co. New York City” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL g 1920-1940 “Hill Cutlery Works Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL c 1926-1927 A trademark used by Ehle & Hagemann.
BLUE STEEL “Moline B.S.C. Moline ILL Germany Make” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL MADE IN GERMANY F.W. ALBRECHT’S B.S. HOUSE AKRON OH. g 1920-1940 “Albion Cutlery” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL RAZOR c 1911-1916 “M.L. Brandt Cutlery Co. Germany & New York” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STEEL SPECIAL c 1927-1957 “Kinfolks Inc. USA” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BLUE STREAK c 1907-1913 A trademark used by Matthews & Lively.
EDWIN BLYDE SHEFFIELD c 1854-present Edwin Blyde & Company is still in business at the Charleston Works, Orange Street, Sheffield, England. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(1870)
J. BLYDE SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1841-1953
JOHN BLYDE SHEFFIELD c 1841-1953
JNO BLYDE SHEFFIELD c 1841-1953 “Golfer” (vertical) and a man is stamped on the small blade. The John Blyde Ltd. firm was still in business in 1953, at the Clintock Works, Milton Street, Sheffield, England. The golfer trademark was originally owned by A.J. Blyde, also of Sheffield.
(1865) (1873)
BOB’S HAND HAMMERED g 1920-1940 “Bob Clark Paducah
Ky” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BOCONOW CO.
JAMES BODEN SHEFFIELD c 1841-1876
J. BODEN’S CELEBRATED CUTLERY c 1841-1876
Sheffield, England.
BODWAY FALL RIVER MASS. g 1910-1930 “Lucky Devil” is stamped on the front of the tang.
B.O.E. c 1892-1897 A trademark used by Schreiber, Conchar & Westphal.
BOEHMER 1847 g 1847-1875 Frederick Boehmer was the first German cutler in Greenfield, Mass.
FREDERICK BOEHMER BUCKLAND MASS. g 1847-1875
BOENTGEN c 1867-1983
BOENTGEN & SABIN c 1867-1983
BOENTGEN & SABIN SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1867-1983 Located in the Bonsa-Werk, Solingen, Germany. The company made knives using many different trademarks. One trademark used was “Bonsa.” They went out of business about 1983.
BOETTICHER & KELLOGG CO. BEE-KAY EVANSVILLE IND. c 1923-1939 “H.B. & Co.” (tree) is stamped on the back of the tang. This firm used the trademark “Bee-Kay” on their cutlery.
BOGUE & MILLER
RASHID BOHAKEL 408 CLARK ST. CHICAGO
g 1900-1920
HENRY C. BOHLIN c 1950-1960 A barber supply firm, this company was at 21 LaGrange, Boston, Massachusetts.
BOHMER g 1847-1875 A marking used by Frederick Boehmer.
H & R BOKER REINSCHEID CAST STEEL c 1848-1869 A tree with a “B” on each side of the tree all inside a circle is stamped on all blades.
R & H BOKERS IMPROVED CUTLERY c 1848-1869
H. & R. BOKER c 1848-1869 This firm was in Westphalia, first in Reinscheid, and later Solingen. They made scythes and other items which were imported by Hermann Boker & Co. of New York City.
H.W. BOKER SOLINGEN
H. BOKER & CO. SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1919-1932 A tree is stamped on the back of all blades.
H. BOKER & CO’S CUTLERY GERMANY c 1869-1914 A tree is stamped on the back of all blades.
H. BOKER & CO’S CUTLERY GERMANY c 1869-1914 “Boker’s Cutlery” is stamped on the small the blade. A tree is stamped on the back of all the blades.
HENRY BOKER’S IMPROVED CUTLERY c 1869-1914 “H. Boker & Co. Improved Cutlery Germany” is stamped on the small blades. A tree is stamped on the back of all the blades.
H. BOKER & CO’S IMPROVED CUTLERY GERMANY
c 1869-1914 A tree is stamped on the back of all the blades. “Kings Cutler” is stamped out on the master blade.
H. BOKER & CO’S CUTLERY GERMANY c 1919 “H. Boker & Co’s Improved Cutlery Germany” is stamped on the small blades. A tree is stamped on the back of all the blades.
H. BOKER & CO. BAUMWERK SOLINGEN GERMANY ALEMANIA c 1932-1950 A tree is stamped on the back of all the blades.
BOKER ROSTFREI SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1932-1950 A switch-blade knife. A tree is etched on the blade.
H. BOKER & CO. SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1932-1950 A tree is stamped on the front of the blade.
(ALL THE PRECEDING BOKER KNIVES ARE MARKED ON ALL BLADES — DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND NOT CONFIRMED)
BOKER SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1950-1960 A tree is stamped on the front of the blade. The small blades are marked only with a tree.
BOKER g 1920-1980 A two-headed Pelican with “H.B.” between. “Germany” is stamped on the small blade.
BOKER SOLINGEN GERMANY ALEMANIA c 1960-1970
TREE c 1932-1940 “H.B. Co.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BOKER SOLINGEN GERMANY c 1970-present A tree is stamped on the front of the blade. The master blade is the only blade marked. The Boker family was originally from Remscheid, Westphalia. This firm was established in the late 1700s’ by Hermann and Heinrich Boeker, making hand tools. Robert Boker started manufacturing hand tools in Remscheid sometime prior to 1830. The business was successful, and members of the Boeker family began to leave Remscheid and start companies of their own.
Herman Boeker went to New York City, and founded H. Boker & Company in about 1837. Robert Boker went to Canada, and later Mexico. Other members of the family went to Argentina and founded a branch there. Heinrich Boker moved the factory to Solingen, Westphalia where Heinrich Boker & Company was founded in 1867. Heinrich Boker’s partner, Hermann Heuser, was in charge of manufacturing. Boker was in charge of sales, exporting knives to his relatives in several different countries. By 1900, Justus Boker and Herman Adolph Heuser were the operators of the firm.
The H. Boker & Co. based in New York City were the exclusive importers of the German made knives. The knives marked on all blades are the older knives. The firm is still in business. Since 1986, they have operated Boker USA, INC. in Lakewood, Colorado as their distribution firm for the American market.
(1848) (1887) (1900) (1907) (1915)
Illustrations of different tang markings of the Boker “Tree”
Excerpt from 1906 Boker catalog.
(1869-1900) (1900-1924) (1924-1933)
(1947-1974) (1935-1947) (1974-present)
Box label and Etch markings used by H. Boker.
BOKER CUTLERY CO. GOLDEN COLORADO
c 1986-present
BOKER’S CUTLERY g 1920-1940
H. BOKER & CO. IMPROVED CUTLERY c 1920-1930 A
tree is stamped on the back of the tan. Both small blades are marked “Boker” in script.
BOKER USA c 1917-1986 A Tree is stamped on the blade. This firm was founded as Hermann Boker & Co. in 1837. The firm was at 101-103 Duane Street in New York City. They were an importing firm for many years. In the late 1800’s they began acquiring other wholesale houses, and their trademarks. Also, they purchased trademarks from firms in England, and imported knives and razors with the “Manhattan Cutlery Co.” trademark (1868).
In 1906, Boker advertised as being “Manufacturers and sole Representatives” of all Boker marked cutlery, pocket knives marked “Trenton Cutlery Co.,” “Manhattan Cutlery Co.,” “Regal Cutlery Co.,” and “George Dunbar,” and “John Newton & Co.” hunting and Bowie knives. In 1902, Carl F. Boker was proprietor of the firm. In the Newark, New Jersey 1902 city directory, Carl F. Bowker was president of the Valley Forge Cutlery Company, located in Newark. Boker USA “officially” gained control of the Valley Forge plant in 1916.
A new factory was built in Maplewood, New Jersey in 1921, and the Boker/Valley Forge factory was moved to that city. The main offices remained at 101-103 Duane Street, New York. The factory in Maplewood produced pocket knives with both the Boker USA and Valley Forge markings until 1950, when the Valley Forge marking was dropped.
Boker USA was sold in 1969 to J. Wiss & Sons, which in turn became a part of the Cooper Group of companies in 1978. The New Jersey plant was closed, and the knives were made in Apex, North Carolina until 1984 when they were discontinued. The firm became apart of the Heinr. Boker Company of Germany in 1986. Boker Cutlery USA is the import agency for the German company.
Boker U.S.A. box label c 1920s’.
Boker used the following trademarks:
(1870) (1870) (1883)
(1916) (1922) (1933)
(1902) (1873) (1880)
(1894) (1868) (1868)
(1867) (1903) (1884)
X (with an arrow through it) BOKER M R g 1850-1875 The “X” has a * above and below the cross. The “M & R” are on the bottom corners of the tang.
BOLLES & HASTINGS c 1841 This firm was at 231 Main, Hartford, Connecticut.
BON KNIFE CO. g 1900-1920
BONHEUR CO. g 1920-1940
THE BONHEUR CO. SYRACUSE N.Y. g 1920-1940 “Marcello” is stamped on the front of the tang.
ROSTFREI BONSA c 1921-1983 A trademark used by Boentgen & Sabin.
BONSA ROSTREI SPRINGER c 1921-1983 A trademark used by Boentgen & Sabin.
BONZER INC. GERMANY g 1950-1980
BOOM FIXER c 1932-1934 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
HENRY C. BOOTH & CO. NORFOLK WORKS SHEFFIELD c 1852-1876 Located in Sheffield, England. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
R.W. BOOTH’S BUCKEYE KNIFE (on the blade) g 1875-1900 “Superior Cutlery” (inside a half circle) is stamped on the tang.
BOOTH BROS. CELEBRATED g 1900-1909 A crown and wings are stamped under the name.
BOOTH BROS. NEWARK N.J. c 1864-1876
BOOTH BROS. BOONTON N.J. c 1879-1889
BOOTH BROS. STOCKHOLM N.J. c 1889-1903
BOOTH BROS. SUSSEX N.J. c 1903-1909 Thomas Booth and his brother Charles were immigrants from England. They established their business in Newark, New Jersey about 1864. The Newark establishment was on State Street, at the corner of Sheffield until 1871. The business was at 392 New for about a year, then in 1872 was moved to Sussex Avenue, at the corner of First Street.
The business underwent a change in 1876, because Booth brothers were no longer listed in the Newark City directory. Only Charles remained at the Sussex location. He is listed there until 1881, when he moved into the Nassau Works. He remained there through 1882.
The Booth Brothers factory was moved several times. First in 1879 to Boonton, then in 1889 to Stockholm, and finally in 1903 to Sussex. In 1909, the factory was sold to a business in Tidioute, Pennsylvania. The factory was shut down, and the machinery moved to Tidioute.
In 1913, C.W. Booth and some friends tried to organize a new stock company in Sussex. They intended to manufacture pocket knives. It is unknown if they were successful. This firm was never a large concern. While in Boonton, they employed about 20 workers, turning out about 36 dozen finished knives per day. In Sussex they employed 55 workers. Due to the size of the firm and their frequent moves, all of the different markings are rare.
A 4″ single blade jack knife, wood handles.
Marked “Booth Bros. Stockholm N.J.”
JOHN J. BOOTH ROCKFORD ILL. g 1920-1940 “Forest City” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BOOTH & LIBBY BOSTON MASS. g 1890-1920
BOOTS SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
W.H. & W.M. BOOS TOLEDO OHIO c 1866-1936 First listed in the Toledo City Directory in 1866. Mathias and Son (William H.) “wholesale dealers in foreign and domestic liquors.” In 1895, William H. & William M. Boos listed (Toledo Chewing Gum Company) under this name until 1904. In 1905, they were “manufacturers agents.” In 1936 (the last listing), they were “dealers in novelties” with Perry W. Rothgab, manager. Knives with this marking were offered in 1906 by the Indianapolis Star newspaper free with a one year subscription.
BOOSTER c 1926 A trademark used by Wester Brothers.
GEO. BORGFELDT & CO. c 1881-1945 Borgfeldt was an importer and wholesale dealer in pottery, dolls, toys, notions, cutlery, and other household items. Borgfeldt also had offices in Berlin, Sonneberg, Fuerth, and Barmen, Germany. The business was at No. 48 and 50 West 4th Street, New York City. In addition to the trademarks listed, Borgfeldt was sole distributor for the Eagle Knife Company of New Haven, Connecticut.
(1895) (1911) (1913)
BO-RAS-IC c 1904 A trademark used by Smith & Hemenway.
BORDEN & SONS GOLD
BORWICK ENGLAND c 1791-1860 Roger Borwick was the original owner of this firm (1791-1825). From 1825-1860, Samuel Borwick was the owner.
THE BOSS (etched on the blade) g 1920-1940 “Standart Bros. Detroit” is stamped on the tang.
THE BOSSING RAZOR CO. MAKERS OF HAND MADE RAZORS PROVIDENCE R.I. g 1890-1920
BOSTON CUTLERY CO. c 1921 In March, 1921, this firm sold their entire inventory to Bigelow-Dowse, also in Boston, Massachusetts.
BOSTWICK BRAUN CO. TOLEDO O. c 1873-present
Founded in 1855, this company began as W. & C.B Roff & Company, wholesale and retail hardware. The first salesman was O.A. Bostwick, who joined the firm in 1862. He became a principal in the company in 1865, and remained active until his retirement in 1893.
Carl F. Braun and his cousin George A. Braun purchased an interest in the Roff Company in 1868. Carl Braun became president of the firm in 1893, and retired in 1904. George Braun was active in the firm until his death in 1924, serving as president from 1904 to 1913, and as chairman of the board after 1913. By 1888, the company had 25 house employees and 5 salesmen. The name was changed to Bostwick Braun in 1873, and they are still in business.
E.C. BOUGHTON 44 BOND ST. NEW YORK g 1910-1930
BOULAY g 1930-1940
BOURDLABBE PARIS g 1900-1930
BOURNE ROCHESTER N.Y. g 1920-1930
BOUVIER LABORATORIES B.S. HAVERHILL, MASS.
g 1910-1930
BOUVIER LABS HAVERHILL MASS MADE IN GERMANY
g 1910-1930 “Tip Top” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BOWDINS WEDGE HAND MADE g 1910-1940
BOWDINS MINNEAPOLIS MINN. GERMANY g 1910-1940
BOWEN BULLET c 1973 to present Waycross, Georgia.
(1973)
BOWER DIST. CO. g 1950-1980
BOWER IMP. CO. g 1950-1980
F.A. BOWER GERMANY g 1950-1980
F.A. BOWER IMP. CO. GERMANY g 1950-1980 “Solingen” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BOWIE KNIFE NEWARK N.J. g 1930-1950 A switch blade knife.
JIM BOWIE c 1972-1975 A trademark used by Forest Cruse. The knives were made by C. Schleiper.
BOWLER CUT. CO. CHICAGO c 1922
BOWLER CUTLERY CO. CHICAGO c 1922
THOS. J. BOWLER CHICAGO c 1922 This hardware firm was at 305 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois.
BOWMAN CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1900-1920
BOWN & TETLEY c 1848-1862 Founded in 1848 as the Enterprise Gun Works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1862, Mr. James Bown became sole owner, and in 1871 William H. Bown, his son, joined the firm.
The name became James Bown & Son at that time. James Bown was born in England in 1823, and moved to the United States with his parents in 1833. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1843. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(bow & arrow) BOW STEEL g 1900-1920 “Dickey and Liebes Seattle Wash. Dist.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BOY SCOUT KNIVES
These knives were made for sale to the boy scouts, as official knives. The New York Knife Company was the original maker of the official scout knife. The Ulster Knife Company and Remington joined New York Knife Company in the early 1920’s, giving scouts three manufacturers to choose from. Landers Frry & Clark replaced the New York Knife Company in 1930, and Cattaraugus began making the “Whitt-L-Craft line in about 1933. Pal Blade Company took over the Remington cutlery division in 1939, and made official knives for a few years. After WWII, Camillus , Imperial, Schrade, and Ulster all made official knives for the scouts. The master blade was usually etched with the official boy scout or other scout logo. Knives with this etch still legible are much more desireable than ones where it has worn off. The manufacturer’s tang stamp was changed from time to time, enabling one to place the knives in a certain era.
New York Knife Company of Walden, New York
The long banner shield, with “Be Prepared” was used from 1911-1922. The shield was then changed to an oval shape, with the first class logo stamped on it.. The last official knife was made in 1929.
The “screwdriver/tacklifter,” and the combination #1 “screwdriver/wire scraper” look like a “screwdriver/caplifter,”–(this tool was originally advertized as being a screwdriver/caplifter). The combination #2 screwdriver/wire scraper is unique among official scout knives, being used on the NY2 “B & D” models.
The Master blades on all New York Knife Company scout knives are marked “Hammer Brand” and New York Knife Co. Walden N.Y. on the small blades and/or tools.
Did the New York Knife Company make standard size knives, some with the bail on the master blade end, and some with it on the canopener/punch end? (see following ads)
Advertizement from the 1913 Hibbard-Spencer=Bartlett
hardware catalog, showing a NY1 with a “screwdriver and
bottle cap lifter.” Note the bail ie on the canopener end.
c1913 ad shows Hammer Brand New York Knife
Company NY1 & NY3-both with permantant bails.
NY1-Banner shield, 3 5/8″, bone handle. 4 blades, spear, punch, canopener, screwdriver/tacklifter, Punch blade Pat. 6-10-02. Very Large permanent bail, BSA No. 1004. (1911-1916)
Excerpt from the October 1916 “Companion” magazine,
showing a New York Knife Company NY1 official scout
knife. Note the bail is on the master blade end. The ad
states “a screwdriver and tack lifter.”
NY1A-Banner shield, 3 5/8″ bone handle, 4 blades, spear, punch, canopener, screwdriver/tacklifter, punch blade with Pat. #. removable bail, BSA No. 1004 (1917-1922)
NY1A-Hammer Brand New York Knife Company Official
boy scout knife, banner shield marked “Be Prepared,”
Removable bail places this knife in the 1917-1922 era.
NY2-Oval shield, 3 5/8″ bone handle 4 blades spear, punch, canopener, screwdriver/caplifter, removable bail, BSA No. 1566, stamped on back of the master blade BS1 (1923-1926)
NY2A-Oval shield, 3 5/8″ bone handle, 4 blades, spear, punch, canopener, combination #1 screwdriver/wire scraper, punch with Pat No. 1, 171,422, removable bail, BSA No. 1566, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS1 (1926-1929)
Excerpt from the 1928 Marshall Wells hardware
catalog, showing a NY2A knife.
NY2B-Oval shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blades, clip, punch, short canopener/caplifter, combination #2 screwdriver/wire scraper. Removable bail, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS1 (1926-1929)
Excerpt from the 1929 Marshall-Wells catalog, showing
a NY2B knife.Note the short canopener/caplifter, and the
combination #2 screwdriver/wire scraper.
NY2C-Oval shield, 3 5/8″ PEARL handle, 4 blades, spear, punch, canopener, combination #1 screwdriver/wire scraper, punch with Pat No. 1, 171,422, removable bail, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS3 (1928-1929) Also known as the “Deluxe Model.”
NY2D-Oval shield, 3 5/8″ PEARL handle, 4 blades, clip, punch, canopener/caplifter tool, combination #2 screwdriver/wire scraper, punch with Pat No. 1, 171,422, removable bail, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS3 (1928-1929) Also known as the “Deluxe Model.”
Excerpt from the 1929 Marshall-Wells catalog, showing
a NY2D Pearl handled knife. Note the short canopener/
caplifter, and the combination #2 screwdriver/wire scraper.
NY3-Banner sheild, 3 1/2″ easy open ebony handle, two blades. sheepsfoot & pen, very large bail BSA No. 1005 (1911-1916)
NY3A-Banner shield, 3 1/2″ easy open ebony handle. two blades, sheeps-foot & pen, removable bail, BSA No. 1005 (1917-1922)
NY4-Oval shield 3 1/2″ easy open bone handle, two blades, sheepsfoot & pen, removable bail, BSA No. 1005 (1921-1925)
NY5-Banner shield, 3 5/8″ bone handle 2 blade clip & large canopener/caplifter tool, removable bail, same frame as NY1. BSA No. 1450 (1920-1925)
NYJ1-Oval shield 3 3/8″ junior size, bone handle, 4 blades spear, punch, canopener, combination #1 screwdriver/wire scraper, punch with Pat No. 1, 171,422, removable bail, BSA No. 1567, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS4 (1926-1929)
NY6-Oval shield, 3 1/2″ bone handle, 2 blade, clip & punch. Removable bail, BSA No. 1568, stamped on the back of the master blade is BS2 (1926-1929)
Excerpt from the 1928 Marshall Wells Hardware
Catalog, showing a NY6 2 blade scout knife.
NOVELTY CUTLERY COMPANY of Canton Ohio offered a knife that is still being debated wheather or not it is “official” The knife had clear celluloid handles, with “Be Prepared” and a scout emblem under the front handle. No etching has been seen.
NOV1-4 blade, spear, punch short scredrive & 1 piece canopener. Clear celluloid handles with official logo & “Be Prepared” over an outdoor scene. (1916-1920
Novelty Cutlery “scout”–is it official??? Note the scout insignia.
MILLER BROTHERS CUTLERY of Meriden, Connecticut–one official scout knife has been seen, but not authenticated.
MB1-3 1/2″ 2 blade, sheepsfoot & large canopener/caplifter tool, both marked with Miller Bros. tang stamp, sheepsfoot etched with official scout etching. No bail (1920-1926)
ULSTER KNIFE COMPANY of Ellenville, New York began to make official scout knives in 1923. The knives from 1923-1926 had plain bolsters, and after that there were lines on the bolster. Ulster made official scout knives until 1941, when the firm was sold.
U1-Marked “Dwight Divine & Sons” on all blades. Official shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade, long-pull spear, punch, one-piece canopener, short stubby screwdriver/caplifter. bone handles, permanent bail, BSA No. 1502, Ulster No. 47553L5 (1923-1926)
Excerpt from the April, 1923 “American Cutler”
magazine, showing an Ulster U1 scout knife.
U1A-Marked “Dwight Divine & Sons” on master blade, “Ulster Knife Co.” on tool blades. Official shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade, long-pull spear, punch, one-piece canopener, short stubby screwdriver/caplifter. bone handles, permanent bail. (1923-1926)
THE FOLLOWING MARKED “ULSTER KNIFE CO.”
U1B-Official shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade small pull spear, punch, 3 piece canopener, long screwdriver/caplifter, bone handle lines on bolsters. Permanent bail, BSA No. 1502, Ulster No. 47553L5 (1927-1940)
U1C-Official shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade, long-pull spear, punch, one-piece canopener, short stubby screwdriver/caplifter. bone handles, permanent bail, with PEARL handle. Ulster No. 4063L (1926-1928)
Excerpt from the 1928 Supplee Hardware catalog,
showing an Ulster U1C-with pearl handles.
UJ1-Official shield, 3 3/8″ junior size, 4 blade, long-pull spear, punch, one-piece canopener, short stubby screwdriver/caplifter, bone handle, permanent bail, BSA No. 1503, Ulster No. 47488L5 (1923-1926)
UJ1A-Official shield, 3 3/8″ 4 blade small pull spear, punch, 3 piece canopener, long screwdriver/caplifter, Bone handle, Permanent bail, BSA No. 1503, Ulster No. 47488L5 (1927-1940)
U2-Official shield, 3 blade, spear, canopener, long screwdriver/caplifter, permanent bail, bone handle, BSA No. 1513 (1933-1940)
U2A-Official shield, 3 blade, spear, canopener, long screwdriver/caplifter, bone handle, removable bail. (1933-1940)
U3-Official shield, 3 1/2″ 2 blade spear & pen. Bone handle, permanent bail. BSA No. 1504, Ulster No. 243L5 (1926-1931)
Excerpt from the 1928 Suplee Hardware catalog,
showing an Ulster U3 2 blade scout knife.
U4-NO SHIELD–must be etched on blade, 4 1/8″ bone handle SEA SCOUT. Sheepsfoot & mrlin spike. BSA No. 1128 (1933-1935)
U4A-Official shield 4 1/8″ bone handle SEA SCOUT. Sheepsfoot & marlin spike. BSA No. 1128, (1936-1940)
Remington Arms Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut began making official knives in 1923. They made knives for the scouts until 1939, when the cutlery division was sold to the Pal Blade Company. The knives can usually be dated by observing the different components used. However, leftover parts from early models were sometimes used in later ones. Also, modern day “repairmen” have taken “parts” from worn out or broken knives, and used them to replace a broken or worn part in a whole knife, thus making a knife with no broken parts. Usually, it is the punch blade which is broken. However, Master blades with etching have been used to replace worn blades in early scouts, especially the R2 models. This would raise the value of this knife– WATCH THE MARKING ON ALL R2 MODELS!! All of the knives should have markings consistant with the dates listed for the different style blades/shields/bolsters.
The CANOPENERS:
One-piece 1923-1927
two-piece vertical lift marked Remington 1924-1927
two-piece parallel lift with Patent No. 1927-1931
two-piece parallel lift unmarked 1931-1939
The one-piece canopener is generally considered to have been replaced by the two-piece canopener in 1924, when the original patent for the two-piece was applied for. However, in observing the examples of the R1 knives, the one-piece is by far the most commonly one seen–in a ratio of about 15 to 1. This would indicate that Remington used the one-piece much longer on the R1 models than the two-piece. The one-piece has also been seen in R3 models, (1927) confirming this.
The SCREWDRIVER/CAPLIFTERS
Short, stubby 1923-1927
Long with “bump” kick 1927-1935
Medium 1932-1939
The screwdriver/caplifters dates are at this time not confirmed, and thus “overlap” each other by several years–the same as the canopeners do.
The SHIELDS
Acorn 1923-1926
Cutout 1927
Round 1927-1939
The BOLSTERS
With lines in bolster 1923-1935
With NO lines 1935-1939
THE MARKINGS (Master blade only, small blades either unmarked or with any of the EARLIER markings.)
#1 1921-1924 #2 1924-1933 #3 1924-1933 #4 1933-1935
#5 1933-1935 #6 1933-1935 #7 1935-1939 #8 1935-1939
Their knives are:
R1-Marking #1, Acorn shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, short stubby screwdriver, one piece canopener. Bone handle cutout for canopener lift, BSA No. 1496, Rem No. RS3333 (1923)
R1A-Marking #2, Acorn shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, short stubby screwdriver, one piece canopener. Bone handle cutout for canopener lift, BSA No. 1496, Rem No. RS3333 (1924-1926)
An R1A official boy scout knife, with #2 marking
.-From the 1925 Remington catalog.
R1B-Same s R1A, but with two shields, lower one engraved “The Remington Award for Heroism”–awarded to a Scout that earned the Honor Medal. (1924-1937)
R1C-Marking #2, Acorn shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, short stubby screwdriver, 2 piece canopener with vertical lift.Bone handle cutout for canopener lift. BSA No. 1496, Rem No. RS3333 (1924-1926)
Remington’s R1C, 4 blade with two piece canopener.
RC1-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade, spear, punch, short screwdriver, one piece canopener. Bone handles, SPANISH scout Rem #RC4523. (1925)
RC1-Spanish scout, from the 1925 Remington Catalog.
RJ1-Marking #1, Acorn shield 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear, punch, short stubby screwdriver, 1 piece canopener, handle cutout for vertical lift Rem # RS4233 (1923)
RJ1A-Marking #2, Acorn shield 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear,punch, short stubby screwdriver, 1 piece canopener, handle cutout for vertical lift Rem # RS4233 (1924-1926)
RJ1A-junior size 4 blade, #2 marking,
from Remington’s 1925 catalog.
RJ1B-Marking #2, Acorn shield 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear, punch, short stubby screwdriver, two piece canopener, vertical lift. Bone handle cutout for canopener lift, pinched bolsters. BSA No. 1497. (1923-1927)
Remington’s RJ1B, junior size, 4 blade.
RCJ1-Marking #2, Round shield 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear, punch short screwdriver, one piece canopener, pinched bolsters. SPANISH scout. Rem # RC4533 (1925)
RCJ1-Spanish scout, junior size #2 marking.
From the 1925 Remington catalog.
R2-Marking #2, Cut-out shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch 2 piece canopener with vertical lift, long screwdriver with bump, bone handle cutout for vertical lift,, BSA No. 1496, Rem No. RS3333 (1927)
A Remington “R2” official scout knife.
R3-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, one piece canopener, short screwdriver , bone handle cutout for canopener lift. BSA No. 1496, Rem No. RS3333 (1927)
R3A-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, 2-piece canopener, vertical lift bone handle cutout for canopener lift. Short screwdriver. (1927-1928)
R3A1-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, 2-piece canopener, vertical lift, handle cutout for canopener lift. Short screwdriver. Genuine Stag handles. (1927-1928)
R3A2-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, 2-piece canopener, vertical lift, bone handle cutout for canopener lift. Long screwdriver.
BSA # 1496, Rem # RS3333 (1927-1928)
Excerpt from the “American Boy,” December 1930-showing a R3A2
R3B-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, bone handle cutout for canopener lift. 2 piece canopener, parallel lift, no cutout in handle. Long screwdriver (1928-1931)
Excerpt from the 1930 Remington catalog showing a R3B.
R3B1-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, 2-piece canopener, parallel lift, long screwdriver, with PEARL handles. RS3334 (1929-1931)
Excerpt from the 1930 Remington catalog,
showing a R3B1 with Pearl handles.
R3C-Marking #3, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, bone handle, 2 piece canopener, parallel lift, no cutout in handle. Medium screwdriver, canopener not marked (1932-1935)
R3D-Marking #7, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, bone handle, 2 piece canopener, parallel lift, no cutout in handle, medium canopener, smooth bolsters (1935-1939)
An R3D official Remington scout knife.
R3E-Marking #7, Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade spear, punch, bone handle, 2 piece canopener, parallel lift, no cutout in handle, medium canopener, smooth bolsters, RS3333 ink stamp marking, (1935-1939)
RJ2-Marking #7, Round shield, 3 3/8″ junior size, 4 blade spear, punch, long screwdriver. Bone handle, vertical lift on 2 piece canopener. BSA & Rem # 4233 (1927-1928)
Excerpt from the 1930 Remington catalog, showing a RJ2
RJ2A-Marking #2, Round shield, 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear, punch, long screwdriver. Bone handle, parallel lift on 2 piece canopener, Pinched bolsters, BSA & Rem No. RS4233 (1929-1932)
RJ2B-Marking #4, Round sheild, 3 3/8″ junior size 4 blade spear, punch, medium screwdriver, 2 piece canopener. Bone handle cutout for canopener lift, smooth bolsters. (1932-1939)
R4-Marking #4, Round shield, 3 1/2″ 3 blade spear, 2 piece parallel canopener, long screwdriver. Master blade & medium screwdriver on same end. Removable bail BSA No. 1494, Rem No. RS4783 (1933-1935)
Remington’s R4 3 blade scout knife.
R4A-Same as R4, canopener & master same end (1934-1939)
An R4A official Remington scout knife.
R4B-Same as R4 with NO bail, medium screwdriver & master blade same end. (1934-1939))
R4C-Marking #2, Round Shield 3 3/8″ 3 blade, bone handle No bail. BSA No. 7, Rem No. 4773 (1928-1932)
R5-4 1/2″ blade, leather washer handle aluminum end cap, leather sheath, and BSA stamp. Rem No. RH50 (1933-1939)
R6-4″ blade, leather washer handle, aluminum end cap, leather sheath with BSA stamp. Rem No. RH51 (1933-1939)
MARBLES ARMS COMPANY of Gladstone, Michigan made sheath knives for the Boy Scouts starting in 1933. As they only made sheath knives for the boy scouts, there is no “shield” on them. They are etched with the official boy scout logo, and the sheath is also stamped with the logo. Their knives are:
M1-4 1/2″ blade Marbles “Woodcraft” model, leather washer handle with aluminum end cap. Leather sheath stamped with BSA stamp & Marbles snap. BSA No. 1560. (1933-1940)
M2-4″ blade Marbles “Sport Knife”, leather washer handle with aluminum end cap. Leather sheath stamped with BSA stamp & Marbles snap. BSA No. 1562. (1935-1940
M3-4″ blade Marbles “Sport Knife, tang marked “MOHAWK USA” Leather washer handle with aluminum end cap. Leather sheath stamped with BSa stamp, and MSA snap. BSA No. 1562 (1947-??)
LANDERS FRARY & CLARK of New Britain, Connecticut started making official scout knives in 1931 under the trademark “Universal.” They used a “badge” shaped shield, and imitation stag handles. They made 4 patterns:
LFC1-Badge shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade, spear, punch canopener & screwdriver/caplifter. Black comp. handle, lines on bolsters. BSA No. 1585 LFC No. 04666. (1931-1939)
Excerpt from 1935 Thomson-Diggs catalog,
showing a LFC1 scout knife.
LFC2-Badge shield 3 3/8″ 4 blade, spear, punch, canopener, screwdriver/caplifter. Black comp. handle, no lines on bolsteer. BSA No. 1586, LFC No. 04667 (1931-1939)
LFC3-Badge shield, 3 1/2″ 2 blade, spear & screwdriver/caplifter, black comp. handle. BSA No. ? LFC No. 02668 (1931-1932)
LFC4-Badge shield, 3 1/2″ 3 blade, spear, canopener & screwdriver/caplifter. Black comp. handle. BSA No. 1564 LFC No. ?? (1933-1939)
CATTARAUGUS CUTLERY COMPANY of Little Valley, New York began making scout knives in 1933. Not a “regulation Official Scout Knife,” but a “Whitt-L-Craft.” The catalog stated, ‘An excellent handicraft tool to whittle, carve, cut, and make many useful things easily, and quickly.’ They made only 2 patterns, a 4 blade & a 3 blade. An official octagon shaped shield, but the etching on these knives was different from the regulation models.
C1-Octagon shield, 3 7/16″ 4 blade, spear, punch, canopener & screwdriver/caplifter. No bail, bone handles. BSA No. 1087, Catt No. D2589 (1933-1940)
Excerpt from a Cattaraugus catalog, showing a C1 scout knife.
C1A-same as C1 with bail. Catt No. D2589B (1933-1949)
C2-Octagon shield, 3 7/16″ 3 blade spear, punch & coping blade. Bone handles, no bail. BSA No. 1122 Catt No. C2589 (1933-1940)
C2A-same as C2 with bail Catt No. C2589B (1933-1940)
PAL BLADE COMPANY of Holyoke, Mass. purchased the Remington Arms Company’s cutlery division in 1939, and made official knives for the scouts until 1942. They used some blades marked “Remington” in these knives. Their knives are:
P1-Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade, spear, medium screwdriver/caplifter, punch and 2 piece canopener. Bone handles. BSA No. 1495 (1940-1942)
P1A-Round shield 3 3/4″ 4 blade, spear, medium screwdriver/caplifter, punch & two piece can opener. Plastic handle, BSA No. 1495 (1941)
P2-Round Shield 3 1/2″ bone handle 3 blade, spear, medium screwdriver/caplifter & punch. No bail. BSA No. 1493 (1940-1942)
P3-Round shield, 3 3/4″ 4 blade, spear, punch, one piece canopener, short screwdriver/caplifter. Black plastic handle. BSA No. 1495 (1942)
P4-4″ blade, leather washer handle, dull aluminum end cap, leather sheath with BSA stamp. Pal No. RH51 (1940-1942)
P5-4 1/2″ blade, leather washer handle, wood or dull aluminum end cap. Leather sheath with BSA stamp. Pal No. RH34 (1940-1942)
UNION CUTLERY COMPANY (KA-BAR) of Olean, New York began to make official scout knives in 1937. Their knives are:
KA1-3 7/8″ 3 blade take-apart knife. Clip, fork & spoon. Celluloin handles, BSA logo etched on blade. BSA No. 1382 (1938-1940)
KA2-5″ blade, leather wsher handle, aluminum end cap. Leather sheath with BSA stamp. BSA No. 1553 (1937-1948)
KA3-3 1/2″ stainless blade, leather washer handle, aluminum end cap, leather sheath with BSA stamp. BSA No. 1554 (1937-1940)
KA4-4′ sheepsfoot blade, cocobola handle 5 1/2″ marlin spike. Leather sheath with BSA stamp. SEA SCOUT knife. BSA No. 1555 (1937-1940)
KA5-4″ drop-point blade, cocobola handle with 5 1/2″ marlin spike. Leather sheath with BSA stamp. SEA SCOUT knife. BSA No. 1555 (1940-1942)
CAMILLUS CUTLERY COMPANY of Camillus, New York began making scout knives in 1946, to present. Their knives are:
CAM1-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade, spear, 2 piece canopener, punch & scredriver/caplifter. Black plastic handle, Lines on bolsters, BSA No. 1996 (1946-1949)
CAM1A-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ Pearl celluloid handle, same blades as CAM1. BSA No. 1052 (1949-1953)
CAM2-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ 4 blade, spear, 1 piece canopener, punch & screwdriver/caplifter. Black plastic handle, BSA No. 1996 (1950-1953)
CAM2A-Badge shield 3 5/8″ 4 blade, spear 1 piece canopener, punch and short screwdriver/caplifter. Black plastic handle. BSA No. 1996 (1954-present)
CAM3-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade. Black handle, BSA No. 1047 (1947-1969)
CAM3A-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade. Black handle, with removable bail. BSA No. 1047 (1947-1969)
CAM3B-Badge shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade. with brown handle. BSA No. 1047 (1947-1969)
CAM4-Round shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade., black handle
CAM4A-Round shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade. brown handle.
CAM4B-Round shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade. brown handle. with bail. BSA No. 1047 (1970-1979)
CAM5-Round shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade bone handle (1985-198?)
CAM5A-Round shield, 3 5/8″ 3 blade whittler clip blade with matchstriker pull, small clip & coping blade white handle. (1980-1984)
CAM6-3 1/2″ blade, white delrin handle, leather sheath without emblem. Etched “B.S.A. Sheath Knife” BSA No. 1373 (1980-1984)
J.R. BOYD CORPUS CHRISTI c 1905-1906
JOHN REDMAN BOYD c 1905-1906 Located in Corpus Christi, Texas. W.R. Case & Sons made razors for this firm, marking the tang with the Case marking, and etching the “No Cussing” trademark on the blade.
(1905)
A W.R. Case & Sons razor, etched “No Cussing.” The
Yellow celluloid handles are marked “Case Texted XX.”
BOYLE, GAMBLE & MACFEE RICHMOND VA.
c 1866-1875 This company is first listed in the Richmond City Directory in 1866 under saw makers, on 13th Street. The firm moved in 1869 to 1418 and 20 East Cary Street.
In 1870, Edward Boyle was sole owner, still listed as a saw maker. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BOZOGZEDEH TEHERAN g 1970-1980
B.P. CO. g 1910-1930 (Butterick Pattern Company)
BPT HDWE MFG CORP BRIDGEPORT CONN. c 1902-1955 Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing Corporation made an interchangeable blade tool kit, and also official Boy Scout hatchets.
BRACH GERMANY c 1887-present “NCRF” is stamped on the back of the tang. Fritz Brach Company used the trademark “Dovo.” They also own the Hartkopf and Raucherkopf firms.
BRACH & KOCH RENOWNED CUTLERY g 1875-1900
THOMAS BRADBURY & SONS SHEFFIELD c 1881 A maker of silver fruit knives.
BRADFIELD NORWICH g 1860-1875
BRADFORD LONDON
LYMAN BRADFORD CO. KINGSTON MASS. g 1900-1920
BRADFORD, KENNEDY, SONS & MCGUIRE g 1910-1930 “Central City” is stamped on the blade.
R. & W. BRADFORD 9 PATRICK ROAD CORK
g 1890-1920
BRADFORD CUTLERY CO. g 1875-1900
BRADFORD LONDON 13 blade sportsman’s knife.
BRADFORD BOSTON c 1845-1856 Founded in 1845 by Martin L. Bradford, at 142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Martin was a hardware merchant and part-time blacksmith. In 1856, Nathan Anthony joined the firm, and the name was changed to Bradford & Company.
BRADFORD & CO. BOSTON c 1856-1867 Located in Boston, Massachusetts, and was the outgrowth of Bradford, Boston. In 1867, the firm became Bradford & Anthony.
BRADFORD & ANTHONY c 1867-1881 This firm was in Boston, Massachusetts, the outgrowth of Bradford & Company. In 1867, the firm became Bradford & Anthony, or B & A for short. In 1881, the firm became Dame, Stoddard & Kendall, or D.S. & K. for short. Bradford & Anthony were importers and dealers in all types of American, English, French, and German cutlery.
A Bradford & Anthony tradecard, c 1875.
W. & G. BRADINGTON SHEFFIELD
L. BRADLEY & CO. SALEM c 1841-1844
L. BRADLEY NAUGATUCK c 1844-1869
L. BRADLEY & CO. NAUGATUCK c 1844-1869
L. BRADLEY KNIFE CO. c 1856-1876
L. BRADLEY & CO. NAUGATUCK & MIDDLEBURY
c 1844-1876 In 1841, Lyman Bradley and George Beecher began to manufacture pocket knives. This is the first known firm to manufacture pocket knives in the United States. Bradley brought over the first foreign workmen to come to Salem, Connecticut, they were from Sheffield, England.
Salem was the original name of the town, but in mid June of 1844 the name was changed to Naugatuck. The General Court had set Naugatuck off from Waterbury in response to a petition from several prominent men of Salem.
The factory was in an old building at the West end of the bridge in the village center. A generation later, cutlery was one of Naugatuck’s most successful industries.
Lyman Bradley was in charge of the Waterville Company knife factory. In 1851, he is listed in the New England Business Directory as an “agent for the American Knife Company of Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut.” In 1856, he was listed under “cutlers” located in Middlebury, Connecticut. In 1857/58 he listed under “pocket cutlery,” also in Middlebury. In the late 1860’s he and Gilbert Hotchkiss had a shop on Hop Brook, Naugatuck.
The L. Bradley Knife Co. is listed in the Connecticut Business Directory through 1876, with the factory in Middlebury, Connecticut. Bradley’s business address was in Naugatuck until at least 1869. Samuel Root took over the factory in Middlebury in 1869, and continued using the L. Bradley Knife Company marking.
Beware of knives marked “L. Bradley Knife Co.” — many are counterfeits.
A 3 3/4″ ivory handled jack knife, marked
“L. Bradley & Co. Naugatuck.
A.W. BRADSHAW & SONS (curved) GERMANY c 1856-1860 A cross with a dot in each corner is stamped on the back of the tang.
A.W. BRADSHAW & SONS GERMANY c 1856-1860 Albert Bradshaw was an importer and manufacturer’s agent for all types of cutlery. The firm was at 48 Maiden Lane, New York City 1856-1859. In 1860, they were at 18 Platt.
VINCENT BRADSHAW SHEFFIELD g 1875-1900
BRADY BROS. JACKSONVILLE ILL. c 1914-1938 A hardware located in Jacksonville, Illinois.
JOHN BRAMMALL c 1770-1880
BRAMMELL STORRS c 1770-1880 This maker was in Storrs, near Sheffield, England. He used the trademark “Joppa”.
D.R. BRANDA g 1910-1930
BRANDONIA CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1930
BRANDFORD CUTLERY CO. g 1870-1900 “Patented June 28, 1870” is stamped on the back of the tang.
M.L. BRANDT CUTLERY CO. GERMANY & NEW YORK c 1911-1916 “Blue Steel Razor’ is stamped on the front of the tang.
M.L. BRANDT CUTLERY CO. NEW YORK c 1911-1916
Bankrupt in May, 1914, the factory was at 84 West Broadway, New York City. In 1916, the firm moved to 15 Crosby Street, New York City. Brandt dealt in cutlery using their own marking, as well as assorted English-made knives and razors.
Letterhead of M.L. Brant, December, 1911.
BRANTFORD CUTLERY CO. USA g 1910-1930 “Warranted Never Dull” is etched on the blade, a trademark used by Butler Brothers.
PAT. BRAUNEGGER W (line) J S g 1860-1875 A take-a-part knife and fork, similar to ones made by James Frary & Son.
G.V. BRECHT ST. LOUIS c 1876-1915 Gustavus V. Brecht was the owner of this business. In the later years, he was at No. 1201 Cass Ave., St. Louis, Missouri. By 1914, the firm was a Butcher’s supply company. The crescent trademark was used on all types of cutlery.
(1876) (1876) (1876)
JOHN BREED & CO. c 1851-1865 This firm was in Norwich, Connecticut, an importer and dealer in cutlery. John Breed and Amos W. Prentice were the owners in 1857, dealing in hardware, amd cordage, at 20 Commerce. In 1865, they were at 27 Commerce, known as Breed, Prentice & Company. This is the last listing in the city directories.
BREEDS-LATE SPEDMAN TURNBRIDGE WELLS
g 1875-1900
WM. BREIDER PHILADELPHIA PA No. 21 “Made in Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BRESDUCK INC. NEW YORK c 1930-1952 Located at No. 224 Canal Street, New York City. This firm later became Pearlduck in 1952. Carl S. Bresnick was the owner. The firm used the following trademarks.
(1927) (1927)
(1928) (1930)
(1930) (1930)
(1931) (1930)
BRETTY & BECKHER N.Y. GERMANY c 1921-1930
BRETTY & BECKHER c 1921-1930 Located at 43 Leonard Street, New York City, Alfred Bretty was president.
(1921)
C.E. BREWSTER DOVER N.H. c 1895-1943 This firm was listed in the Dover City Directory as a “wholesale druggist and grocers specialties” for the years indicated.
CHARLES D. BRIDDELL INC. CHRISFIELD MD.
c 1936-1950 Chrisfield, Maryland.
(1947)
BRIDGE CUTLERY CO. ST. LOUIS c 1902-1939 A trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh and Shapleigh.
Bridge Cutlery Co. Box label, c 1920.
BRIDGEPORT CUTLERY CO. PAT APR 8′ 73 DEC 8′ 76 c 1873-1882 Located at Warren Street, corner of Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
BRIDGEPORT G.I. CO. c 1898 A marking used by the Bridgeport Gun & Implement Company. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BRIDGEPORT HDWE. MFG. CORP. c 1902-1939 Tool kit marked “Bpt Hdwe Mfg Corp Bridgeport Conn.” on the blade. The leather case is marked “Fix-It Pocket Knife Kit Warranted The Bridgeport Hdwe Mfg Co. Bridgeport Conn. USA.” The firm was at 461-569 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Willis F. Hoble, President and manager. Harry B. Curtis, Secretary and Treasurer.
BRIDGEPORT KNIFE CO. c 1876-1886 Located on E. Washington Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They were makers of pocket and table cutlery.
BRIDGEPORT KNIFE CO. c 1891-1906 Founded by Charles J. Healy in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Healy was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1851 at the age of 9 years. He was a member of the cutlery jobbing firm Wiebusch & Hilger until 1891 when he left that firm, and founded the Bridgeport Knife Company. He brought 50 expert workmen with their entire families from Sheffield, England to make the cutlery. He retired in 1906, and moved to New York City, where he lived until his death in 1916.
BRIGGS SHEFFIELD c 1830
BRIGGS c 1830 A maker of razors in Sheffield, England.
BRIGHTON CUTLERY WORKS GERMANY g 1900-1930
J. BRIGHT MADE IN SHEFFIELD ENGLAND g 1850-1900 “Father of Barlows” is stamped on the bolsters.
BRIGHTMORE WARRANTED
BRILLIANT BRAND g 1910-1930 “Brilliant Cutlery Co. Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
V.W. BRINCKERHOFF N.Y. c 1857-1860 A surgical instrument maker located at 83 John Street, New York City.
BRISTOL LINE GERMANY g 1945-1960
THE BRISTOL c 1897 A trademark used by A.J. Curtiss.
BRISTOL KNIFE CO. c 1868-1874 Bristol, Connecticut.
BRITE-BLADE c 1933-1934 A trademark used by Sears-Roebuck.
BRITNALL LAMB & CO. CHICAGO g 1900-1920
BRITNAL, TERRY & BELDEN CHICAGO c 1876 “Andrew and Tredway Dubuque” is stamped on two small blades of the 4-blade knife.
BRIT-KNIFE USA g 1930-1950
BRIT-KNIFE ST. LOUIS g 1930-1950
BRIT-KNIFE ST. LOUIS USA g 1930-1950
BRITTAIN WILKINSON & BROWNELL SHEFFIELD
c 1780-1840 This firm was in Sheffield, England. They used the trademark “France.”
BROADWAY CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1900-1920
BROCH & CO. CELEBRATED CUTLERY N.Y. c 1885
BROCH & KOCH CUTLERY CO. g 1875-1900
BROCH & KOCH CELEBRATED CUTLERY g 1875-1900
BROCH & THIEBES CUTLERY CO. ST. LOUIS
c 1882-1892 Charles Broch and Henry Thiebes were the founders. They were importers of knives and razors. Henry Thiebes was later a partner of Pape-Thiebes Cutlery Company. This firm used the trademark “Climax.”
(1882)
BROCHNOHF SOLINGEN g 1945-1960 A switch blade knife.
FRED BROEKER ELIZABETH N.J. g 1920-1940
FRED BROEKER MIG g 1920-1940 “Pride of Solingen” is stamped on the back of the tang.
W. BROKHAHNE NEW YORK c 1857-1906 William Brokhahne was an importer in New York City. This firm was in business until 1906. The trademark “W.B. Speed” and a rabbit was acquired by the Challenge Cutlery Company in that year. Brokhahne used the trademarks “Victor”, “Hamburg” “Diamond Spear” and “Speed” on all types of cutlery.
(1882) (1878)
(1871) (1878)
(1875) (1879)
BRONSON & TOWNSEND CO. NEW HAVEN CT.
c 1923-1938 “Pequot” is stamped on the back of the tang. Usually marked “B.T. Co. New Haven.” The company was incorporated as a wholesale hardware firm in early 1923. The capital stock was $600,000. Lewis H. Bronson, William A. Watts and Earle B. Seeley were the incorporators. Prior to 1923, they had been dealers in wholesale hardware and cutlery. They incorporated to increase the size of their business. The “Pequot” trademark was derived from the Pequot Indian tribe. It was also the original name of the city of New Haven.
A 3¼” 2-blade pen knife, marked “B.T. Co. New Haven.” “Pequot”
is etched on the blade, and also stamped on the back of the tang.
BROOKS RAZOR g 1920-1940
BROOKS BROS. g 1900-1920
BROOKS BROS N.Y. g 1900-1920
BROOKS CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1900-1920
BROOKES & CROOKES SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
c 1858-1957 Founded in 1858 by John Brookes and Thomas Crookes. Later, the firm consisted of Thomas Crookes, William Westby, Herbert Crookes and Willis Crookes. They were in the Atlantic Works, Upper St. Phillips Road, Sheffield, England. William Westby left the firm sometime prior to 1907. They made all types of cutlery and hardware items, including “Bowie” type knives.
(1858) (1859)
Excerpt from the March 1913 American Cutler magazine.
THE CC BROOKS BREAD KNIFE PATENTED NORTH WANE TOOL CO. HALLOWELL ME. USA c 1917
ABRAM BROOKSBANK SHEFFIELD c 1849-1965 A canon and “Defiance” is stamped on the back of the tang.
ABRAM BROOKSBANK SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
c 1849-1965 “Malinda Works Sheffield” is stamped on the tang. The firm was on Milton Street, Sheffield, England. The canon and “Defiance” trademark was owned by John Bedford & Sons, Ltd. in 1953. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(1849)
BROOKLYN KNIFE CO. NEW YORK g 1890-1920
B. BROOMHEAD NEW HAVEN AMERICAN c 1831-1858 Small blades are marked “New Haven Conn.” Benjamin Broomhead was located in the “Bee Hive” works at 113 Olive Street, New Haven, Connecticut, a file manufacturer, and file re-cutter. Broomhead advertised in 1851 that he was the first business of this type in the state of Connecticut, and that he had more than 40 years experience in the file trade. By 1859, the business was being conducted by Thomas Rawling at the same address.
BROOMHEAD & THOMAS CELEBRATED AMERICAN HUNTING KNIFE This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BROWN RAZOR CO. LITTLE VALLEY N.Y. prior to 1900 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROS RAZOR CO. LITTLE VALLEY N.Y.
prior to 1900 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROS. MFG. CO. prior to 1902 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROS. KNIFE CO. TIDIOUTE PA. c 1902 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROTHERS GERMANY prior to 1902 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROS. prior to 1902 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
BROWN BROS. KNIFE CO. OLEAN N.Y. after 1911 A trademark used by Union Cutlery.
A 3 3/4″ 2-blade jack knife, bone handles, nickel silver
bolsters. Marked “Brown Bros. Knife Co. Olean N.Y.
W.S. BROWN PITTSBURGH g 1890-1920 “I*XL George Wostenholm Sheffield” is stamped on the master blade.
BROWN’S BEST g 1920-1940 “John B. Brown B.S. Co. Steubenville, Ohio Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
J. BROWN W(crown)R c 1830-1837
JOHN B. BROWN B.S. CO. STEUBENVILLE OHIO MADE IN GERMANY g 1920-1940 “Brown’s Best” is stamped on the front of the tang.
W(crown)R J.W. BROWN & CO. COLUMBIA WORKS SHEFFIELD c 1830-1837
J.S. BROWN & CO. c 1875-1881 This firm was in Galveston, Texas. John S. Brown and James M. Brown were the owners. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
(1881)
C. BROWN & SONS SAN FRANCISCO c 1913-1916
Located at No. 871 Market Street, San Francisco, California. “Amico” was comprised of the first letters of the name “Associated Manufacturers Importing Company.” The marking was used on all types of cutlery.
(1915)
BROWN & BIGELOW ST. PAUL MINN. c 1931-1952 This firm is still in business, and the dates are for known times they dealt in cutlery. Pocket and hunting knives were the main item of trade. “B&B St. Paul” was marked on many of these knives.
(1946)
BROWN CAMP HDWE. DES MOINES IOWA c 1907-1959 This hardware firm was established about 1907, and continued to do business until 1959. They were at 216 SW First Street, in Des Moines, Iowa.
(1907)
Three jack-knives from the 1909 Brown-Camp catalog.
BROWN & HURLEY HDW CO. g 1900-1930
BROWN & KIRBY c 1851 This firm was at 76 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. They dealt in silverware and cutlery.
BROWNE & PHARR MAKERS ATLANTA GA. c 1923-1977 In the 1970’s, this firm made a knife with screws in the bolsters. They may still be in business.
A two-blade knife, marked “Brown & Pharr.”
BROWN SHOE CO. ST. LOUIS c 1904-1960
BROWN SHOE CO. ST. LOUIS USA c 1904-1960 “Shapleigh Hdw. Co. D.E.” is stamped on the back of the tang, and on the small blades. The Brown Shoe company was founded by George Warren Brown. He started using the “Buster Brown” trademark in 1904. The Brown Shoe company is still in business.
BROWN TREACY & CO. ST. PAUL c 1841-1918 Listed in the St. Paul Minnesota city directory from 1841 to 1918 under “Artist.” “H. C., Joseph C., and J. Ross Brown Treacy & Co.” Probably artist’s supplys.
BROWN WHARTON & CURR COLUMBIA WORKS
(stamped on the blade) g 1850-1875 “Fine India Steel” is stamped on the tang.
BROWNING GERMANY c 1969-1983
BROWNING USA c 1969-1983
BRUCE, WHITNEY & CO. g 1900-1920 Located at No. 11 Bromfield Street, Boston, Massachusetts. They were importers and dealers in cutlery, fancy hardware, and fishing tackle.
BRUCHAUS & MEYER GERMANY
E. BRUCKMANN GERMANY c 1891-1956 Ernst Bruckmann manufactured his cutlery in Ohligs-Solingen, Germany. He made all types of cutlery. The firm was founded about 1891, and continued to operate until Mr. Bruckmann passed away in 1956.
(1920)
BRUFF BROTHERS & SEAVER c 1856-1860 “Best Silver Steel” is stamped on the blade. This was a hardware and cutlery import agency in New York City. They were at 44 Warren Street.
H.J. BRUNNER HDWE CO. GERMANY g 1900-1930
BRUNSWICK CUTLERY CO. c 1897-1907 A trademark used by Durham-Carrigan-Hayden.
BRYFORD g 1915-1930 “International Safety Razor Co. Bloomfield, N.J.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BT CO. BRIDGEPORT c 1922 A marking used by the Bridgeport Tool Company.
B.T. CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. c 1923-1938 Bronson Townsend Company was in New Haven in 1923. They used the trademark “Pequot.”
D. BUCHNER & CO. N.Y. g 1900-1920 “Chew Gold Coin Tobacco” is etched on the blade.
HUGO BUCHNER MFG. BERLIN GERMANY c 1909-1930 Makers of all types of cutlery.
BUCHOLTZ CO. NEW YORK g 1910-1930
PETER E. BUCK & SONS MADE IN GERMANY
g 1945-1960
BUCK (eye below name) g 1900-1920 A bow and arrow with “BM” inside is stamped on the back of the tang.
BUCK BROS. c 1853-1939 Founded in 1853 by Charles Buck and his brother Richard T. Buck, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Both brothers were born in Sheffield, England where they learned the manufacture of edge tools. After coming to the United States they founded this firm, and manufactured chisels, gouges, plane irons, and other tools. They continued to do business in Worcester until the summer of 1864 when they moved to Millbury, Massachusetts.
The Millbury business continued until 1873 when Charles Buck withdrew from the firm and founded another firm. Charles’ company was purchased by Buck Brothers in 1915. Razors and Bowie knives with this marking have been seen. They also made gouges, chisels, drawing knives, spoke shaves, blades, etc.
(1875)
A Buck Bros. razor, etched with their trademark.
The Buck Brothers Tool Works in Millbury, Massahusetts.
W.L. BUCK CO. OKLAHOMA CITY OKLA. g 1920-1940
BUCK CUTLERY g 1920-1940
BUCK CUTLERY CO. GERMANY g 1920-1940
BUCK MADE IN USA c 1963-present (pocketknives) Located in El Cajon, California, they were originally makers of fixed blade knives. In 1963, they began making their first folding knife, the model 110 folding hunter. In 1966, they contracted with the Schrade Cutlery Company for standard pocket knives. These knives were marked on all blades. About 1968, the contract was switched to the Camillus Cutlery Company. The Camillus-made knives are marked on the master blade only.
BUCKEYE CUTLERY CO. DAYTON O. g 1900-1920
BUCKEYE BARBER SUPPLY CO. DAYTON OHIO
g 1920-1940 “Gun Metal” is stamped on the blade.
BUCK CREEK c 1970-present (deer horns on each side) “Solingen Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BUCK CREEK c 1972 (deer horns on each side) “Nippon Rostfrei” is stamped on the back of the tang. All of the blades are marked.
BUCK CREEK c 1970-present Founded in 1970, when Millard Burns of London, Kentucky contracted with the Heinrich Kaufmann and Sohne Cutlery Company of Solingen, Germany to manufacture knives under the “Buck Creek” brand. Burns also had pocket knives made in Japan. Burns passed away in 1985, and Taylor Cutlery of Kingsport, Tennessee purchased the rights to the Buck Creek marking. This firm is still in business.
BUCKINGHAM, CLARK & JACKSON c 1897 Located at 294-298 State Street, New Haven, Connecticut. It was a wholesale hardware, merchants and manufacturers agents, and agent for the Electric Cutlery Company. William W. Buckingham, Arthur H. Jackson, and Joseph W. Jamieson were the principals.
BUCK TOTM CT RD prior to 1890 This marking was on a London, England knife. The firm was on Tottenham Court Road.
This pre-1890 London, England sportsman’s knife is marked
“Buck Totm Ct. Rd.” The four blades are all on one end.
BUCK & HICKMAN g 1950-1960 “Oil the joints” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BUCKHOLTZ & MAUS PITTSBURGH g 1900-1930
SAM L. BUCKLEY & SONS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
g 1920-1940
AUG. BUCKS g 1900-1920
BUD BRAND WINSTED CT. c 1922 The Bud Brand Cutlery Company was in Winsted, Connecticut.
A 3 ¼” 2-blade pen knife, bone handles marked “Bud Brand Winsted CT.”
BUDDY c 1926-1947 A trademark used by K.C. Seelbach.
BUDDY-NIFE c 1926-1927 A trademark used by Greist Manufacturing..
ABEL BUELL HARTFORD CONN. c 1799 Buell made “belt” or “hunting” knives.
BUERGER’S FAULTLESS g 1920-1940 “Buerger Brand Denver Colo.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BUERGER BROS. SUPPLY DENVER COLO. & EL PASO TEXAS g 1920-1940
BUFFALO BRAND (etched on the blade) c 1885-1972
“Missoula Mercantile Co.” is stamped on the tang.
BUFFALO CUTLERY CO. g 1900-1920
BUFFALO CUT. CO. N.Y. GERMANY g 1900-1920
BUFFALO KNIFE CO. BUFFALO N.Y. c 1918-1939
BUFFALO RAZOR “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BUFFALO RAZOR & GRINDING CO. BUFFALO N.Y.
c 1906-1935 “Made in Germany” is stamped on the back of the tang. This firm is first listed in the Buffalo, New York city directory in 1906. G.A. Kayser, 212 Genesee Street, was the owner. They are listed under this name until 1935. At that time the name was changed to G.A. Kayser & Sons, Inc. beauty shop supplies. The company is still in business at 327 Elm Street.
BUHL SONS & CO. DETROIT MICH. c 1898-1938
BUHL SONS CO. (curved) DETROIT, MICH c 1898-1938
BUHL SONS COMPANY DETROIT MICH c 1898-1938 A wholesale hardware in Detroit, Michigan at 103 Woodbridge Street, West.
BUKTA g 1920-1940
THE BULL CO. g 1950-1970
THE BULL CO. NEW YORK & TORONTO g 1950-1970
JOHN BULL & CO. SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
BULLDOG BRAND GERMANY c 1978-present This company was started by Charlie Dorton in 1978. Dorton used this marking until 1987, when it was discontinued. The trademark was purchased in 1993 by the James F. Parker Trust of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The knives are sold through Parker’s Knife Collector Service.
(1978) (1996) (2000)
BULL HAED g 1920-1940 “Terre Haute B.S. Co. Terre Haute Ind.” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BULLHEAD c 1887-1913 “Vom Cleff & Co. New York” is stamped on the back of the tang.
BULLHEAD CUTLERY CO. g 1915-1930
BULLET c 1973-present “Pakistan” is stamped on the back of the tang.
J. BUNGER & SONS CELEBRATED CUTLERY g 1875-1900
R. BUNTING & SONS CAST STEEL CUTLERY SUPERIOR TEMPER c 1825-1868
BUNTING & SONS SHEFFIELD c 1825-1880
BUNTINGS CAST STEEL WARRANTED BEST QUALITY
c 1825-1880
MANUFACTURED BY R. BUNTING & SONS SHEFFIELD c 1825-1850 “W. Greaves & Son” is stamped on the blade of a “Bowie” type knife.
2857 R. BUNTING AND SONS CAST STEEL CUTLERY SUPERIOR TEMPER c 1825-1880
R. BUNTING & SONS SHEFFIELD c 1825-1880 This firm was at 39 Regent St., Sheffield, England. By 1876, they had moved in to the Columbia Works on West Street. In 1860, Charlton Thomas was the New York agent for Bunting, at 16 Platt Street. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
GEBR BERG GERMANY g 1920-1960
A.C. BURGESS BELFAST ME. c 1870 A hardware firm at 68 Main Street, Belfast, Maine.
CHAS. BURGON SHEFFIELD This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BURGON & BALL SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1873-1953 La Plata Works, Malin Bridge, Sheffield, England.
(1873)
BURGOYNE BRADFORD g 1875-1900
AARON BURKINSHAW BURYVILLE CONN. c 1853-1856 “Made for Gallimore Bros.” is stamped in the blade.
A. BURKINSHAW BURYVILLE c 1853-1856
ARRON BURKINSHAW BURYVILLE CONN. MADE FOR GALLIMORE BROS. c 1853-1856 Stamped deep in blade of straight razor.
A. BURKINSHAW PAIN c 1856-1881
A. BURKINSHAW PEPPERELL c 1856-1881 A small blade is marked “A. Burkinshaw (curved) Pepperell.”
A. BURKINSHAW PEPPERELL c 1856-1881 A small blade is marked “A.B. Pepperell Ms.”
BURKINSHAW PEPPERELL c 1856-1881 A small blade is marked “Burkinshaw Pep’l Ms.”
A. BURKINSHAW’S SONS c 1881-1920
BURKINSHAW KNIFE CO. PEPPERELL MASS c 1881-1920 Aaron Burkinshaw was born in England and served his apprenticeship in the factories of Sheffield. He became a skilled workman, and soon married Elizabeth Bird. In 1848, he brought his wife to the U.S. He first settled in Connecticut, and was employed in a knife factory. (this was probably the Waterville Manufacturing Company)
About 1853 he opened a factory of his own in Buryville, Connecticut. In 1856, he was in Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, listed in the New England Business Directory under “Cutlers”. In 1856 he moved to Pepperell, Massachusetts and opened a business there. The first products of his firm were pen and pocket knives. Burkinshaw used the trademark “Exile”.
The Burkinshaws had two sons, Fred and Charles. Both followed their father in the cutlery business. After Aaron Burkinshaw passed away in 1881, they continued to run the family business. Fred Burkinshaw eventually purchased his brothers’ share in the company. In 1898, Fred Burkinshaw died. His widow, along with Charles Burkinshaw and Alta Shattuck continued to run the business for several years. Two employees, Harry Foster and Eddie Glow ran the company until about 1920 when they went out of business.
EXILE
(1856)
Aaron Burkinshaw
Excerpt from 1876 Burkinshaw catalog illustrating
a 3″ swell-center pen knife, tortoise shell handles.
Postcard, c 1900, depicting the Burkinshaw factory.
BURLINGTON B.S. HOUSE BURLINGTON IOWA
g 1920-1940 “Ace” is stamped on the front of the tang.
BURLINGTON BARBER SUPPLY HOUSE-GERM.
g 1920-1940 “Larson’s Leader” is stamped on the front of the tang.
J. BURNAND & CO. SHEFFIELD c 1850-1930
JAMES BURNAND & CO. SHEFFIELD c 1850-1930 This firm was on Leicester Street, Sheffield, England. This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
BURNHAM & FEHR AUSTIN TEXAS g 1920-1940
S.R. BURRELL N.Y. g 1920-1940
BURRELL CUTLERY CO. c 1941-1942 Located at 24 Rockwell Avenue, Elicottville, New York. Harold W. Burrell was president. They dealt mainly in razors. Burrell used the trademark “Top Flight.”
(1941)
BURROWS, GOODNO & CO. c 1870 This firm was in Montague, Michigan. They were general dealers in hardware and cutlery.
BURYS & CO. SHEFFIELD c 1850-1953 Located in the Regent Works, Sheffield, England. They made all types of cutlery.
(1850)
BURYVILLE MANUFS. CO. WATERBURY c 1850’s A marking used by Aaron Burkinshaw, perhaps.
A 3¼” wood-handled jack knife. Marked
“Buryville Manufs. Co. Waterbury.”
WILLIAM S. BURTON SHEFFIELD g 1900-1920
BUSCH CUTLERY CO. c 1915 Located in Utica, New York at 41 Lafayette Street, and organized in 1915 by Ernest, Oswald and Harry Busch.
ADOLPH BUSCH ST. LOUIS g 1880-1950 Owner of the Budweiser Beer Company, Busch had knives made for give-a-way purposes. Several different makers made knives for Busch, but all had his picture in the ??? lens.
Four-blade pen knife, blades marked “Adolph Busch
St. Louis.” Pearl handles are marked “Anheuser-Busch.”
Backspring is enclosed with pearl Dates c 1880-1915.
Adolphius Busch give-a-way knife, tang marked
“Schrade Walden N.Y.” Dates c 1946-1950
OTTO BUSCH SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1900-1920 Handle inlaid with a globe and “World Master.”
W. BUSCH GERMANY g 1920-1930
JACOB BUSCH c 1917 This firm was at 178-180 Grand Street, New York City. In 1917, he rented the entire store at 588-590 Broadway, and opened a new retail outlet.
N.T. BUSHNELL CO. c 1892-1962 Located in New Haven, Connecticut, and was incorporated in 1892 with capital of $30,000. They dealt in hardware and cutlery. Nathan T. Bushnell was president, and William H. Burchell was secretary and treasurer.
By 1905, they had diversified to hardware, cutlery, steel, belting, maritime goods, and supplies. In 1962, the firm was sold to the H.J. Behm & Company firm of Fairfield, Connecticut. Bushnell Marine Supply was last listed in the city directory in 1963.
BUSH PHILIPS HDWE CO. COLUMBUS GA. g 1900-1920
HENRY BUSS & SON N.Y. MADE IN GERMANY
g 1920-1940
F.G. BUSSE SOLINGEN GERMANY g 1945-1960
BUSTER BROWN SHOE CO. ST. LOUIS USA c 1904-1960 “Diamond Edge” is stamped on the back of the tang.
FRANK BUSTER CELEBRATED CUTLERY CO.
c 1973-present Buster imports knives with the Fighting Rooster logo. He is in Lebanon, Tennessee. The knives are limited edition series, and usually made in Germany.
BUTCHER CAST STEEL g 1818-1830
S. BUTCHER SILVER STEEL SHEFFIELD c 1820-1830
W. BUTCHER c 1820-1830
W. BUTCHER WARRANTED CAST STEEL c 1820-1830
Tang marking on an early W. Butcher knife.
Note the pistol in the marking.
W(crown)R W. BUTCHER SHEFFIELD c 1830-1837
WILLIAM BUTCHER c 1820-1830
MANUFACTURED BY W & S BUTCHER SHEFFIELD
c 1830-1875 “Warranted of the Best Quality” is stamped on the blade of a “Bowie” type knife.
W. & S. BUTCHER SHEFFIELD c 1830-1942 This firm traces its origin back to 1730, when members of the Butcher family began to make razors. The beginnings of the modern firm dates to about 1818 when William Butcher and Robert Wade began a business using the name “Wade & Butcher.” Wade was possibly the New York agent for the W & S Butcher firm.
In 1819, the name was changed to William & Samuel Butcher. The firm was still W & S Butcher in 1868 with both brothers still active in the firm. In 1883, management had passed to Charles F. Butcher. Charles ran the company until about 1910.
The firm was incorporated (Ltd. in England), and was still an independent firm in 1930. By 1942, the trademarks were the property of the Durham-Enders Corporation, Mystic, Connecticut. By 1953, the owners were the Durham-Duplex Company Ltd., 72 Arundel Street, Sheffield, England.
This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(1832) (1819) (1820)
(1852) (1888)
Smooth bone handled razor marked “Wade &
Butcher Sheffield B (in a circle) arrow, cross.”
BUTLER c 1865-present A marking used by Butler, Sheffield.
BUTLER BROS. CHICAGO c 1888-1940 This firm was incorporated in Illinois, but they were also in New York City. The trademark “Warranted Never Dull Cutlery” was first used in 1896. They dealt in all types of cutlery.
BUTLER SHEFFIELD c 1810-present A key is stamped on both blades.
G. BUTLER & CO. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c 1810-present
ART (in a circle) GEORGE BUTLER & CO. TRINITY WORKS SHEFFIELD c 1864-present
GEO. BUTLER & CO. TRINITY WORKS SHEFFIELD
c 1864-1953
GEORGE BUTLER & CO. ART (in an oval) TRINITY
c 1861-present
GEORGE BUTLER & CO. SHEFFIELD c 1924 This marking was seen on a silver fruit knife.
GEORGE BUTLER SHEFFIELD c 1810-present George & James Butler & Co. are at the Trinity Works (since 1864), Sheffield, England. The company is still in business, but pocket knives were discontinued about 1972. The trademarks “J & R Dodge” and “swan” were originally used by Francis Newton & Sons of Sheffield. Butler took over that firm some time after 1920.
This company manufactured “Bowie” type knives, among other kinds of cutlery.
(1838) (1838) (1953)
(1848) (1848) (1848)
George Butler Box label, c 1950.
BUTTERFIELD BRADFORD g 1920-1940