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Civil War pocket knife?


Phfly1010
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Bought this knife in an antique store. Tag said Civil War pocket knife but I'm not so sure. My research on the internet shows that maybe this is late 1800s, but images that came up while searching Civil War knives pictures show nothing like this. He wanted 50 bucks, paid 28. Either way it's a nice old knife. If you cannot read it in the photo the Makers Mark on the blade says Newark Walden Knife Company. Thanks for any input.

post-163304-0-93936900-1498092657_thumb.jpg

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CharliesYearOldYogurt

To my knowledge, pocket knives were not issued to soldiers like this one. Most pocket knives would have been simply brought from home or bought by private purchase. Although it does seem to look peroid accurate, I do not think it was used in the civil war. Many old tin cups sold as "civil war" are almost never military issued, such as that knife perhaps.

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30-30remchester

I have Goin's book on knife makers and can not find the maker. There is a Newark knife company started in 1917. Nothing with Walden following Newark. Goins book is THE bible of knife makers markings. Either way I have serious doubts about the civil war story. This style of knife is known as a pruner, used by horticulturists. About useless for anything but pruning grapevines and cutting tops off turnips.

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The "Newark" reference maybe "New York". Some letter missing in the middle from wear. Anything in the guide for Walden, NY? Thanks for your efforts.

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I found a New York Knife Co. in Walden NY

 

When I used my Bing Fu I found your knife in the image section using the above!

 

Check Wikipedia for Walden NY it has some info about the knife making there.

 

Semper Fi

Phil

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There was a Walden Knife Co. in Walden founded 1869-1870 by former New York Knife Co. employees. Operated until 1923 after a parent company (Simmons) merged with Winchester.

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Thanks all. AZ PHIL - tried your approach but did not see exact knife. Any chance you can retrace your steps and put a link in a new response to me?

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30-30remchester

If it is indeed New York Knife Company, they were located in Walden. They were in business from 1856 to 1931. All types of knives were built in their factory. Like most they produced a utilitarian line of knives with wood handles and steel bolsters and steel liners. New York Knife Co. also produced some superb quality knives. The are known in the antique knife world as the Snap-On of folders. I have a half dozen or so of their premier folders. The quality and design are second to none. I also have a few of their utility quality folders and they are just run of the mill quality.

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