Knife Specifications:
- Approximate Mfg. Date: c. 1890
- Blade Stamps: H & B Mfg Co New Britain Conn
- Number of Blades: 2
- Length Closed: 3 3/4″
- Handle Material: genuine stag
- Bolsters: nickel silver
- Liners: brass
I have always enjoyed collecting early New England pocket knives. These knives typically display old world quality, beautiful handle materials and intriguing design elements that make them unique. Even though many of these knives were made by experienced cutlers from from England and Germany, these knives are distinctly American.
I purchased this knife with a collection of other early American jack knives including J. Russell, Holley, Empire, Thomaston and more that I eventually went on to sell. This knife was a keeper though as I really liked the curved handle shape, the genuine stag and the neat federal style shield. The stag handles are pocket worn with great color and the blades walk and talk!
The curved jack knife pattern is seldom seen and usually seen on Pre – 1900 knives. The master blade features a medium short match striker pull which is a characteristic of H & B pocket knives. The trademark H & B (Humason & Beckley) is stamped out on the middle of the master blade.
Humason & Beckley began making pocket knives and other hardware around 1853 in New Britain, Connecticut and continued until 1912 when the company was sold to Landers, Frary & Clark. H&B’s sales office was located in New York City at 80 Chambers Street.
Thanks for taking a look at this knife!