This firm was founded by the Hemming brothers, Otto, Frank, and Carl. They were incorporated by Otto L. Hemming, Emanual J. Boyler, and Sigmond F. Beck, with a capital of $12,000. In January 1918, this was increased to $25,000.
The main product of this firm was the all-metal knife. This type knife had the wrap around handles, and could be sold for a very low price. George Borgfeldt of New York City was the distributor of the Eagle product.
The knives marked Pat Pend and Pat Oct 1, 1918 would lead one to believe that the Eagle firm invented this type knife. This is not so. The patent actually covers their method of making folding knives. The use of a single piece of metal, bent into the desired shape, dates back to 1868. The Hemming brothers also invented certain machinery which made it possible to manufacture their product on an assembly line. This cut the cost of their product due to lower labor costs.
In 1919, the Winchester Arms Company purchased the Eagle firm. It was the machinery and methods in the Eagle plant that appealed to Winchester, not the low cost product. This type of manufacturing would fit into their business better than the old type methods of making cutlery, namely fitting and assembling by hand. Eagle also produced a well constructed knife.
Actually, there are two types of this well constructed knife. In the first type, the knives are very well built, and easily compare to the other well built knives of the same period. The second type are of a lesser quality with black fiber handles.
(Featured photo) Five all-metal knives, all different patterns. First, from the left, a 3 3/8” a 1-blade, marked “Eagle Knife Co. Pat Pend Made in USA.”; second, a 3 3/8” 2-blade, marked “Eagle Knife Co. Pat Pend Made in USA” second blade not marked. 3rd, a 1-blade 3 3/8” marked “Eagle Knife Co. Pat Pend Made in USA.” 4th, a 3” 2-blade pen marked “Eagle Knife Co.” 5th, a 3” 1-blade marked “Eagle Knife Co.”
Box label, c.1919, depicting the No. 8 knife.
Other side of c.1919 box.
c 1916-1919