The first image is of the cover of the knife set and the second is the actual knife set. No idea how long he had them but based on the knives themselves, I'd say it's been a while.
by Ancient-Door8864
The first image is of the cover of the knife set and the second is the actual knife set. No idea how long he had them but based on the knives themselves, I'd say it's been a while.
by Ancient-Door8864
1 Comment
Soon as I seen that logo I remembered. There is some info out there. Imperial branded knives made for another company.
“The Imperial Knife Company was **established in 1916** in Providence, Rhode Island by Felix and Michael Mirando, Italian immigrants. The company’s brand name, Imperial, remained in use until 1988 when it was phased out and replaced by the Schrade name.”
More with this link- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Schrade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Schrade)
A possibility is the set was made for Curtis Industries, who made key cutters. The logo on the knives looks like a keyhole. I’m still researching this- update: It appears this is a vintage promotional knife set.
The pocket knife you are describing is a
**vintage promotional advertising knife** manufactured by the **Imperial Knife Company** for **Curtis Industries** (a locksmithing and automotive parts supplier). The “Red C” logo on a wood-grain or genuine wood handle is the signature branding for this specific line of “Curtis Quality” tools.
Logo and Identification
* **The “Red C” Logo**: This logo typically features a stylized red letter **”C”** often accompanied by the words **”Curtis”** or **”Curtis Industries”**. On vintage wood-handled models, this was frequently a silk-screened or inlaid emblem on the scale.
* **Blade Markings**: The blade is almost always stamped at the base (the tang) with the [Imperial “Crown” logo](https://www.ebay.com/itm/235482965146) and “Prov. R.I. USA,” indicating it was made in the Providence, Rhode Island factory.
* **Advertising Details**: Because these were distributed to locksmiths and mechanics, the handles often include additional text such as “Cleveland, Ohio” or lists of services like “Keys, Parts, Key Machines”.
Common Styles for this Logo
1. **Multi-Blade Jack Knife**: A traditional two-blade folding pocket knife with dark wood or jigged-wood-grain handles.
2. **The “Key” Pen Knife**: A small, slim knife where the handle is shaped to mimic a key blank, often featuring the red Curtis logo and the company’s Cleveland address.
3. **The “Trick” Knife**: Some Curtis-branded Imperials have a hidden “mystery” opening mechanism. You must press the blade into the handle or hold it a certain way to unlock it.
Collectibility and Value
These knives are popular with both pocket knife collectors and “automobilia” enthusiasts who collect vintage shop equipment.
* **Individual Knife**: Typically sells for **$25.00 to $45.00** depending on the clarity of the red logo.
* **Full Sets**: Occasionally found in a “Quality Cutting Tools” box or as part of a larger locksmithing kit (with key-cutting cams and carriages), which can significantly increase the value for collectors.