Oh man that is awesome. I collect these old multiblades and tools, and that is a great piece. These vintage German made knives are readily identified due to their similarities and features. That small pen blade is an "extra" that is difficult to find on these sets, so congrats on that! Have you "slipped" it apart yet? SUPER nice!!
No Bryan -I have not tried slipping the knife apart.. I did not realize that it may be a slot type knife. Levine #4 lists the place of manufacture for Edward Zinn as German? but my Edward Zinn knife is definitely marked Austria. There are a few muiltiblade knives in my collection that will be posted in photo album here eventually. I also have a few kit knives with hammers, chisels, etc
Paul-Hopefully, I can clear up a little confusion- Edward Zinn was a major importer of edged tools and cutlery. He was located at 210 11th Ave, NYC.His starting date is sketchy, but he patented a tool kit interchangeable handle in 1909 and registered his elephant logo which is often seen along with his name in 1914.He imported his wares from Germany, Sweden and obviously, Austria. He imported barrel knives & sheath knives from Ekilstuna, Sweden from all 3 of the major makers of the time ( Johan Engstrom, Pontus Holmberg, & Segerstrom) .He imported chisels from E.A. Berg Co. of Ekilstuna, which were considered about the finest you could buy. The point of this is, Zinn bought quality tools and cutlery. BTW ,all of those companies started in the late 1800's to 1900. So I would say it's probable that your knife is late 1800's to early 1920's. BTW, yours is the only knife I have seen of his marked Austria. I saw one almost identical to yours that sold a few years back, but it was marked Edward Zinn -Germany. Truly a beautiful old piece !!
Paul- A little more info-Your knife was possibly made by A.W. Wadsworth & Son who had factories in both Austria and Germany circa 1895 -1922.They were mostly known as an Adolph Kastor brand who acquired the trademark in 1905 and were direct competitors with Edward Zinn, as both were major New York importers of cutlery. I have found other examples ofWadsworth take-apart knives with horn or stag handles, the same fork profile, and fluted front bolster. Just an educated guess, but very possible. Here is one example, just to give you an idea.
A couple of comments to your comments (!). A.W. Wadsworth & Son was a Kastor brand that was in use 1905-1936. This brand was under Adolph Kastor and Brothers, and many were (very likely) made at the Kastor's factory in Germany. Now, the Wadsworth stamp can be found followed by "Germany", "Austria" and "Czechoslovakia". John is correct in that Kastor made literally hundreds of brands of knives. I have an extensive list I created back in 2010 (which I need to update!) that covers all the Kastor brands up to 1947. Its available at KNIFE Magazine's website. Now Edward Zinn I did not list as a "suspect" to have been made by Kastor, but it would not be out of the question. I have seen these knives stamped "D. Peres" also (I own one) so there is a suspect right there...
As you can see the historical aspects of cutlery can get addictive and lots of fun. Paul you definitely own a "slot" knife there and you should try to push/slide it apart, when closed of course. It would be interesting to see if there are any markings on the interior.
Zinn was a manufacturer of pocket knife tool sets, as John noted, of which I used to own. His run of cutlery was short lived and difficult to find. I have never seen a slot knife with that marking. As for the pocket knife tool sets, those are a favorite of mine as well!! Thanks for posting such an interesting piece.
These two images are of the same Edward Zinn knife from Austria. It is a slot type that slides together for carrying and slides apart for use...as in fork, knife, and spoon. I wonder of the corkscrew-was it for a wine or a whiskey cork or both? The small blade cuts well as I accidentally found out. Glad I have my Tetanus shot.
The part marking/stamp is faint and is hard to catch by photos.
There you go. That looks like a nice piece. I'll see if I can take a few or post a few of mine. I took some gentle polish and cleaned it up by hand. No power tools. Came out amazing!
Jan Carter
Built to last!
Aug 3, 2016
J.J. Smith III
Aug 3, 2016
In Memoriam
D ale
!!! .. That is Nice .. !!!
.
I have strictly a spoon knife .. spoon only .. that is rather old.
..but..
nothing quite like this.
Love the 3-tine fork .. very unique !!
Aug 3, 2016
Sue OldsWidow
WOW what a nice antique piece!
Aug 3, 2016
John Bamford
What great craftsmanship !!
Aug 4, 2016
Bryan W
Oh man that is awesome. I collect these old multiblades and tools, and that is a great piece. These vintage German made knives are readily identified due to their similarities and features. That small pen blade is an "extra" that is difficult to find on these sets, so congrats on that! Have you "slipped" it apart yet? SUPER nice!!
Aug 5, 2016
KnifeMaker
Paul S
No Bryan -I have not tried slipping the knife apart.. I did not realize that it may be a slot type knife. Levine #4 lists the place of manufacture for Edward Zinn as German? but my Edward Zinn knife is definitely marked Austria. There are a few muiltiblade knives in my collection that will be posted in photo album here eventually. I also have a few kit knives with hammers, chisels, etc
Aug 7, 2016
In Memoriam
John McCain
Paul-Hopefully, I can clear up a little confusion- Edward Zinn was a major importer of edged tools and cutlery. He was located at 210 11th Ave, NYC.His starting date is sketchy, but he patented a tool kit interchangeable handle in 1909 and registered his elephant logo which is often seen along with his name in 1914.He imported his wares from Germany, Sweden and obviously, Austria. He imported barrel knives & sheath knives from Ekilstuna, Sweden from all 3 of the major makers of the time ( Johan Engstrom, Pontus Holmberg, & Segerstrom) .He imported chisels from E.A. Berg Co. of Ekilstuna, which were considered about the finest you could buy. The point of this is, Zinn bought quality tools and cutlery. BTW ,all of those companies started in the late 1800's to 1900. So I would say it's probable that your knife is late 1800's to early 1920's. BTW, yours is the only knife I have seen of his marked Austria. I saw one almost identical to yours that sold a few years back, but it was marked Edward Zinn -Germany. Truly a beautiful old piece !!
Aug 8, 2016
In Memoriam
John McCain
Paul- A little more info-Your knife was possibly made by A.W. Wadsworth & Son who had factories in both Austria and Germany circa 1895 -1922.They were mostly known as an Adolph Kastor brand who acquired the trademark in 1905 and were direct competitors with Edward Zinn, as both were major New York importers of cutlery. I have found other examples ofWadsworth take-apart knives with horn or stag handles, the same fork profile, and fluted front bolster. Just an educated guess, but very possible. Here is one example, just to give you an idea.
Aug 8, 2016
Bryan W
Hi John & Paul
A couple of comments to your comments (!). A.W. Wadsworth & Son was a Kastor brand that was in use 1905-1936. This brand was under Adolph Kastor and Brothers, and many were (very likely) made at the Kastor's factory in Germany. Now, the Wadsworth stamp can be found followed by "Germany", "Austria" and "Czechoslovakia". John is correct in that Kastor made literally hundreds of brands of knives. I have an extensive list I created back in 2010 (which I need to update!) that covers all the Kastor brands up to 1947. Its available at KNIFE Magazine's website. Now Edward Zinn I did not list as a "suspect" to have been made by Kastor, but it would not be out of the question. I have seen these knives stamped "D. Peres" also (I own one) so there is a suspect right there...
As you can see the historical aspects of cutlery can get addictive and lots of fun. Paul you definitely own a "slot" knife there and you should try to push/slide it apart, when closed of course. It would be interesting to see if there are any markings on the interior.
Zinn was a manufacturer of pocket knife tool sets, as John noted, of which I used to own. His run of cutlery was short lived and difficult to find. I have never seen a slot knife with that marking. As for the pocket knife tool sets, those are a favorite of mine as well!! Thanks for posting such an interesting piece.
Aug 8, 2016
Bryan W
Oh, and I would also agree with John's assessment of the time era - late 1800's / early 1900's.
Aug 8, 2016
KnifeMaker
Paul S
Aug 9, 2016
KnifeMaker
Paul S
Aug 9, 2016
KnifeMaker
Paul S
These two images are of the same Edward Zinn knife from Austria. It is a slot type that slides together for carrying and slides apart for use...as in fork, knife, and spoon. I wonder of the corkscrew-was it for a wine or a whiskey cork or both? The small blade cuts well as I accidentally found out. Glad I have my Tetanus shot.
The part marking/stamp is faint and is hard to catch by photos.
Aug 9, 2016
KnifeMaker
Paul S
I thank all for the interest and comments so far-it adds to the enjoyment and knowledge of collecting.
Aug 9, 2016
Bryan W
There you go. That looks like a nice piece. I'll see if I can take a few or post a few of mine. I took some gentle polish and cleaned it up by hand. No power tools. Came out amazing!
Yours is in fine condition! Really nice.
Aug 9, 2016
Bryan W
At the least I would recommend a good coat of oil. That way you can keep up with the "patina" =)
Aug 9, 2016