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Comment by Bryan W on August 8, 2016 at 20:07

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.

In Memoriam Comment by John McCain on August 8, 2016 at 13:13

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.

In Memoriam Comment by John McCain on August 8, 2016 at 10:16

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 !!

KnifeMaker Comment by Paul S on August 7, 2016 at 20:10

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

Comment by Bryan W on August 5, 2016 at 19:57

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!!

Comment by John Bamford on August 4, 2016 at 7:25

What great craftsmanship  !!

Comment by Sue OldsWidow on August 3, 2016 at 17:57

WOW what a nice antique piece!

In Memoriam Comment by D ale on August 3, 2016 at 17:05

!!! .. 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 !!

Comment by J.J. Smith III on August 3, 2016 at 15:43

Cool tool.

Comment by Jan Carter on August 3, 2016 at 15:28

Built to last!

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