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A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 6:51 pm
by trail
Charles F. Zeh was a Reading PA grocer during the 1930s who had a background as a brewmaster before prohibition took hold. We find him after repeal providing information to the government in regards to the notorious Max Hassell bootleg brewing empire shortly after Hassell was gunned down by gangsters. The government was attempting to deny permits to several breweries on the grounds that they were former Hassell operations, and Zeh gave information connecting current employees to Hassell. Zeh refused to make sworn testimony, though, stating that the risks of reprisal were too great.

http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FreePdf ... =106202624

The little wire frame knife was a bargain at the local antique mall - $4.00.

The back of the blade is flat, and the beveled edge is only cut on one side, like some of the modern Japanese cooking knives.

Re: A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 9:40 pm
by tjmurphy
Cool knife and with the open wire handles should have been pretty sanitary. Reckon that one was made by Geo. Schrade, based on the wire frame folder he made?

Re: A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:31 pm
by trail
TJ, maybe someone will come along who collects these knives and can tell us about them. I think you're on target that it looks a lot like something George Schrade would have made, but there is no stamp to indicate the maker.

Re: A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:15 pm
by FRJ
I wonder if it could be a Clauss?

Re: A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:41 am
by Miller Bro's
Image Nice Cake knife Joe :)

Re: A produce knife from the old days

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:47 am
by FRJ
Thanks, Demitri. I think I have another one somewhere.....???