Posted 11 years ago
Maxx
(1 item)
Hello,
I would be very pleased, if someone could help me identify this pocketknife. The body is 2.25" blade and what appears to be nail fob 1.50". The body is sterling silver I believe. Thank you for your help.
Maxx
Maxx, when you post a knife it would help if you could tell us the marking on the base of the blade. I can see it is marked but the picture isn't clear enough to read. I am no expert nor do I collect knives but have some research materials on knives that another member passed along to me.
My apologies the name on the knife is Bates, I thought I included this information, suppose I stayed up a little late last night.
Maxx
Are there any markings on the outside or inside of the bale?
I can't find much on the company but did find two of the same knife on different sites that sold for $15 & $20. One referred to it as a FOB knife the other a pocket knife. The gold version sold for a few dollars more.
Like Fhrjr2, I don't collect knives, but I have bought and sold a number of vintage masonic related ones. So, I've picked up a little info along the way. This is a penknife that a gentleman would have most likely worn on a pocket watch chain (hence fob). I'm not familiar with Bates, but they could have been the complete manufacture of the knife, but they could have also just been the makers of the blades and bolster liner. They would have then sell sold them to other companies that would then add the scales (outer cover) and sell as a finished product. If another company made the scales they would usually add a maker's mark to the outside or inside of the bale. Also depending on the age, that's where they would also mark the metal content of the scales. The blades will either be carbon steel or stainless steel. It's hard to tell from your pictures, but they look like they might be carbon steel. Age is indeterminate at this point other then to say it is most likely pre 1950. (If I had to guess, I would say circa 1930). Hope this helps.
Ned
Actually Bates was not known for pocket knives. Their product line was nail care items. That would explain nail blade. The ones I found online that actually sold were listed as being 1920's. They were in like new condition and on antique sites where the bids are probably either a bit high or pretty accurate. I don't put much faith in eBay prices so seldom look at prices there.
Thanks everyone, your help is much appreciated.
Maxx