Help in id Please

[rme]

My son and I were metal detecting a farm at Cedar Mountain earlier this year. I found this in a very small area (20 X 20 ft ) along with part of an Confederate Calvary Richmond spur, chain links, button & poss chest lock part. Looks to me like what is left of an open blade pocket knife. What do you think?
Thanks

 

[fwcrawford]

Not sure what that is (or was).
The ends extend far from the groove leading me to doubt it was a pocket knife.

 

[rme]

I'm almost sure the extended piece is a broken off blade.

Not sure what that is (or was).
The ends extend far from the groove leading me to doubt it was a pocket knife.

 

[fwcrawford]

I'm almost sure the extended piece is a broken off blade.

Maybe, but it looks odd to me in the 4th photo.
Also I do not see the brass bolsters on each end.

 

[rme]

Were all pocket knife bolsters brass at that time? This one i'm picturing has both bolsters showing as you would expect but don't seem to be made of brass. Another site called it immediately as what's left of an extended blade broken pocket knife.
Thanks

 

[Picketwire]

I don't see anything that would make me think it is a pocket knife. The bottom of the groove looks cut into the solid piece but would of had to be a spring to hold the blade open, no reason for iron to be that thick on the sides, brass bolsters keep the blade from seizing up with rust. I would think more likely a piece some kind of farm or military equipment.

 

[fwcrawford]

Were all pocket knife bolsters brass at that time? This one i'm picturing has both bolsters showing as you would expect but don't seem to be made of brass. Another site called it immediately as what's left of an extended blade broken pocket knife.
Thanks

I can’t say on that, but I agree with Picketwire… to me it does not look like a knife.
Here is a page from a reproduction if an 1897 Sears catalog.
Details state some are brass lined and others are iron lined.. does not mention the material of the bolster… maybe nickel or brass… maybe not.

 

[still looking 52]

One thing for sure we can all agree on is it's OLD!
Has to be way over 100 years old.

 

[Ronstar]

Folding shaving razor?????

 

[thepest]

Folding shaving razor?????

That was my first thought ... Were shaving razors standard issue to the military at that time??? If so... there should be pictures to compare...

 

[Odanscoils]

I can’t say on that, but I agree with Picketwire… to me it does not look like a knife.
Here is a page from a reproduction if an 1897 Sears catalog.
Details state some are brass lined and others are iron lined.. does not mention the material of the bolster… maybe nickel or brass… maybe not.
View attachment 44354

Man. I'd love one of those oll catalogs.

 

[fwcrawford]

Man. I'd love one of those oll catalogs.

I bought it a Barnes and nobles bookstore last year.

 

[Odanscoils]

I bought it a Barnes and nobles bookstore last year.

A reprint or original ?

 

[fwcrawford]

A reprint or original ?

Reprint.

 

[Odanscoils]

Reprint.

Still that would be very cool.
Gonna have to take a look next time I'm by there.

 

[Picketwire]

Razor handles were small and rounded so a person can easily rotate the blade to match the contours of the face. I don't know how a person could shave with a handle as thick as what is pictured.

 

[rme]

Still that would be very cool.
Gonna have to take a look next time I'm by there.

You can purchase the 1897 Sears book online at Able Books for under $9.00.

 

[Odanscoils]

You can purchase the 1897 Sears book online at Able Books for under $9.00.

Awesome.
Found it. On the way.
Thank You RME.

 

[tvr]

My son and I were metal detecting a farm at Cedar Mountain earlier this year. I found this in a very small area (20 X 20 ft ) along with part of an Confederate Calvary Richmond spur, chain links, button & poss chest lock part. Looks to me like what is left of an open blade pocket knife. What do you think?
Thanks

Two thoughts: corroded Clevis yoke, tuning fork

 

[Wild Willy]

Over the years I've dug up a dozen or more rusted knives. None of them looked like your pics. which to me makes it even more interesting. Clean it up and you might have an "ole" treasure. Just my thoughts.