Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
- stumpstalker
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
trying to delete a double post
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Thanks to Roger Cunningham picked up a beautiful old Holley single blade sheepsfoot jack. Large knife at 4 1/4", great curved frame with dense deep black ebony covers, nice bar shield. Still has great snap and a lot of blade left, really well done swedge on the blade.
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
That is an exceptionally beautiful old knife, John. Congratulations!
USN 2000-2006
Adaptable and (usually) affable knife enthusiast, unsure of his knife collecting destination but enjoying the journey
Case taste, Rough Ryder budget
Adaptable and (usually) affable knife enthusiast, unsure of his knife collecting destination but enjoying the journey
Case taste, Rough Ryder budget
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Big beautiful Holley, John.
Love that curved Ebony handle and of course the sheepsfoot.
Love that curved Ebony handle and of course the sheepsfoot.
Joe
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Exceptional knife JohnR.
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
John, from beauty to history your knife has it all.
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Thank you all for the comments Joe, I love that curve to the handle also, really adds to the knife.
- Ridgegrass
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
I wonder if the simple beauty of the lines in that ebony even occurred to the cutlers who designed and made it? It was a utilitarian item back then and it's function dictated it's form. Can we imagine they ever thought such items would wind up in showcases, commanding prices hundreds of times their original costs?
In today's collector world it seems form is the first consideration, something to catch the "eye" of a buyer, a buyer who likely will rarely or never employ the knife for it's intended function. Sure we use our knives, but its a good guess most knives we use are "EDC's" that don't measure up to showcase standards.
Back to whether the old makers knew they were creating little works of art. By comparison, as a movie fan, I don't think "Gone With The Wind" or "Casablanca" or "The Wizard OF Oz" were filmed with posterity as their main intent. They were just the latest entertainment, to last only until the next sensation came along. Maybe the thousands of knife patterns like the "1123" or the "King of the Woods" or the "72" that we all crave were just accidental and incidental art treasures for later generations.
Just some rambling thoughts brought on by a beautiful, ebony, curved-handled, sheep's-foot "tool" from a bygone era. (Wish it were mine!) J.O'.
In today's collector world it seems form is the first consideration, something to catch the "eye" of a buyer, a buyer who likely will rarely or never employ the knife for it's intended function. Sure we use our knives, but its a good guess most knives we use are "EDC's" that don't measure up to showcase standards.
Back to whether the old makers knew they were creating little works of art. By comparison, as a movie fan, I don't think "Gone With The Wind" or "Casablanca" or "The Wizard OF Oz" were filmed with posterity as their main intent. They were just the latest entertainment, to last only until the next sensation came along. Maybe the thousands of knife patterns like the "1123" or the "King of the Woods" or the "72" that we all crave were just accidental and incidental art treasures for later generations.
Just some rambling thoughts brought on by a beautiful, ebony, curved-handled, sheep's-foot "tool" from a bygone era. (Wish it were mine!) J.O'.
- stumpstalker
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Very thoughtful post, Ridgegrass. inspired by that very nice curved jack.
I tend to agree that, as with most collected artifacts today, there was little expectation by the cutlers of the future avidity of collectors, that clubs would form, and big money would eventually be paid for rare or mint examples of vintage knives.
But I do believe that the cutlers did consider aesthetics regarding form, as well as function, even with the most utilitarian of patterns. They certainly were aware of aesthetic appeal in the higher-end, as they were of the market appeal of such embellishments as heraldic shields, grooved bolsters, etched blades, and handle covers made in a multiplicity of materials and colors.
The question would be: does precision, attention to detail, and concern with fit and finish in a workman translate to awareness by him that his product will be overall pleasing to the eye, as well as pass inspection and function properly? I tend to believe it does.
I tend to agree that, as with most collected artifacts today, there was little expectation by the cutlers of the future avidity of collectors, that clubs would form, and big money would eventually be paid for rare or mint examples of vintage knives.
But I do believe that the cutlers did consider aesthetics regarding form, as well as function, even with the most utilitarian of patterns. They certainly were aware of aesthetic appeal in the higher-end, as they were of the market appeal of such embellishments as heraldic shields, grooved bolsters, etched blades, and handle covers made in a multiplicity of materials and colors.
The question would be: does precision, attention to detail, and concern with fit and finish in a workman translate to awareness by him that his product will be overall pleasing to the eye, as well as pass inspection and function properly? I tend to believe it does.
Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Great responses to a very valued and desirable brand.
They knew how to put a beautiful knife together.
They knew how to put a beautiful knife together.
Joe
- Ridgegrass
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Stump: agree 100%. Back then everything had a "style". Maybe you know I'm a hawkbill guy. They are probably the most utilitarian of patterns but, as you say, their lines and shapes and extra workings still show attention to detail.
J.O'.
J.O'.
- Ridgegrass
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
Here's a "Plain-Jane" pruner. Nothing fancy but fits the hand well. J.O'.
- Ridgegrass
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Re: Holley Mfg. Co., Lakeville, Conn.
thanks. O'.