Wilbert Cutlery

[ratlesnake75]

Hey Guys, I don’t have a knife to show but I can offer another clue to keep in mind while we Continue our study of “Wilbert” knives. So far for me in looking at Wilbert knives it’s about 50/50 in contrast that many are NOT stamped with “Chicago”. As of now we have 3 different tang stamps that I am aware of. The rare curved stamping and the most common stamping both with and without Chicago. I don’t have any discernible proof but it appears as though the ones stamped with “Chicago” lean towards Napanoch or Empire made especially when I note the similarities between “Jack knife Ben” Chicago!!
I never posted this before and didn’t think much about it until now but several years ago while at Tulsa gun knife show, Mr. Bob Bercher(Florida Bob) & I was looking at a Wilbert knife collection together and he asked me if a particular knife as I was viewing was stamped with “Chicago” or not. I find this to be interesting right now. Funny how you remember something said by our elders as they are very wise indeed!

[OLDE CUTLER]

Hey Guys, I don’t have a knife to show but I can offer another clue to keep in mind while we Continue our study of “Wilbert” knives. So far for me in looking at Wilbert knives it’s about 50/50 in contrast that many are NOT stamped with “Chicago”. As of now we have 3 different tang stamps that I am aware of. The rare curved stamping and the most common stamping both with and without Chicago. I don’t have any discernible proof but it appears as though the ones stamped with “Chicago” lean towards Napanoch or Empire made especially when I note the similarities between “Jack knife Ben” Chicago!!
I never posted this before and didn’t think much about it until now but several years ago while at Tulsa gun knife show, Mr. Bob Bercher(Florida Bob) & I was looking at a Wilbert knife collection together and he asked me if a particular knife as I was viewing was stamped with “Chicago” or not. I find this to be interesting right now. Funny how you remember something said by our elders as they are very wise indeed!

I recently picked up a box of old junk knives that a friend gave me for parts etc. In checking thru them I noticed this Wilbert. It is a sleeve board pen, steel bolstered, 3 1/4" closed length, arrowhead shield, with bone handles. Unfortunately it is in poor condition, both blades are broken, but it may add something to the data base that is being established here in regard to Wilbert knives and their tang stamps. I think I can say that this is the only sleeve board pen Wilbert I have seen.

[OLDE CUTLER]

This Wilbert belongs to a friend of mine, and is unlike any Wilbert I have seen. It is a tip bolster pen, 2 3/4" long with coca bola handles and is missing a blade. The Wilbert tang stamp is straight without any other inclusions such as Cut. Co. as is more commonly seen. I wonder who made this one?

[luckydog64]

I have picked up a couple Wilberts in my latest absence from AAPK. Nothing mint but HOKs.

[Ridgegrass]

Now here's an odd one. 3-5/8" Genuine MOP cattle. Odd combo for a working knife. (Kinda like a mink shovel! ) Tangs all stamped WILBERT over
CHICAGO in a thin, block font. Nickel silver bolsters and liners. Pearl is not cracked. It has an odd grain mix both front and back. J.O'.

[BWT]

Definitely unusual! Nice knife though. You would almost think someone added the pearl on later???

[Ridgegrass]

Can't say for sure. But it's a perfect fit. No evidence of a refit. I've seen other pearl handled "work" knives and they always intrigue me. Probably sold as gift quality items. Never know. I love MOP but it's more suited to a pocketbook than a pocket. J.O'.

[peanut740]

I have picked up a couple Wilberts in my latest absence from AAPK. Nothing mint but HOKs.

Lucky,a couple of fine patterns.If the moose is 4 1/4",it would have had a "Gladiator " etch.

[peanut740]

Can't say for sure. But it's a perfect fit. No evidence of a refit. I've seen other pearl handled "work" knives and they always intrigue me. Probably sold as gift quality items. Never know. I love MOP but it's more suited to a pocketbook than a pocket. J.O'.

I have had several full size cattle knives in pearl.You don't see them every day, but several companies had them.I agree it is kind of a odd handle for a working knife,but Case and Case Brothers made pearl handled toenails.

[danno50]

Great knives, luckdog64. I really like the moose.
Very nice, J.O.'.

[knife7knut]

Picked up another Wilbert awhile back in relic condition,but couldn't pass it by for $3.Radically sharpened and pen blade broken with a piece missing out of the mark side handle.Did a quick repair to the handle and cleaned up the blades a bit.Like the size of it and wish it was in better shape.

[Ridgegrass]

K7N: Repair is decent looking. Is that epoxy or a piece of bone? J.O'.

[luckydog64]

Thanks Danno and peanut. Yes peanut it is 4 1/4 and a handful. Probably my favorite knife I own right now.

[knife7knut]

K7N: Repair is decent looking. Is that epoxy or a piece of bone? J.O'.

It is a piece of bone that isn't quite the right color.Sometimes you can darken the color by immersing it in coffee grounds for a few days.

[Ridgegrass]

It looks good. Thanks for the coffee tip. J.O'.

[Gone2Three]

I sure hope one of you fine folks here acquired this fine looking specimen couldn't compete check out soon enough...and it was gone

[Ridgegrass]

Gone: Here's it's cousin with a sheep's and spay. 3-7/8". Wouldn't take 3 times that for it! Sorry you missed it. Hope the seller stops opening 2 blades on one spring before he ships it! J.O'.

[Gone2Three]

Gone: Here's it's cousin with a sheep's and spay. 3-7/8". Wouldn't take 3 times that for it! Sorry you missed it. Hope the seller stops opening 2 blades on one spring before he ships it! J.O'.

Very nice... thanks for sharing it! well folks, my hunt continues

[Ripster]

Here’s the Wilbert that was showing the Diner Crew this morning . Purchased it and a few other hard to find pieces in Janesville at the Badger knife show . Great Crowd ,a lot of variety of stuff . This Bone covered piece is 3 &3/8 inches long closed and the center liner protrudes a quarter inch beyond that . It doesn’t look like it’s been bent or used as a pry bar . Half stops no wobble ,never buffed . The shield is not centered but wasn’t a deal breaker. There’s no Chicago in the stamp . Posted the Straight Razor just for the heck of it . Have noticed the razors seem to all have Chicago in the stamp . What Company would’ve made this old Automotive type knife and what would’ve been the pattern name or number ? And would 1909 to 1915 be a close date of Manufacture ? Appreciate any feedback.
Take care

[Mumbleypeg]

JP, that is one dandy knife! Wish I had it, and you had an even nicer one. My guess is it was made by Napanoch, they made most Wilberts. The jigging looks just like the Wilbert electrician (TL-29) I let get away. I’d call yours a camper’s knife due to the can-opener/caplifter blade. The acetylene wrench cut-out was often a feature of camper/scout knife’s at the same time it was likely made. JMO

Regardless what you call it, it’s wonderful.

Ken

[JAMESC41001]

That is a great knife. What year is the Sears catalog you have there?

[Ripster]

Ken , Thank for the kind Words, it’s a great knife . The Camper/ Scout thing never entered my mind . That Wilbert Electrician knife is one haven’t seen before .
James , this is a 1908 . Have a 1902 also ,very interesting reads .

[JAMESC41001]

Thanks JP. I am in the middle of researching Napanoch and the early relationships with Sears. It is extremely interesting.
Jay

[Ripster]

Thanks JP. I am in the middle of researching Napanoch and the early relationships with Sears. It is extremely interesting.
Jay

Here’s the 1902 pics from the Sears Catalog. Not sure it helps you ?

[JAMESC41001]

Thanks JP, that’s the one I have. The language that they use where they say that they have their own manufacturing in New York is particularly interesting. They go on to say the factory is managed by one of the best and largest cutlery manufacturers. If you look at the description for the saddle horn it says this is a brand new pattern. That is of real interest. If you remember 1902 is when WR Case started a jobbing company. For a short time it was WR Case and Son not son’s. They offered a saddle horn but at the time many of their knives were being made by Napanoch. Nap started making knives in 1900 but did not become Napanoch knife co. Until 1905 and incorporated 1909. Here are some pics.