DATE A VINTAGE MARBLES WOODCRAFT FIXED BLADE SHEATH KNIFE

[chief38]

I have a Marbles sheath knife that is stamped pat. 1916 and is a Woodcraft model with the original sheath. It has a Stag handle, a stag pommel and is color coded Black, Brown, Black, Brown (spacers) on both the front and rear of the Stag handle. There are also Brass rivets holding the two part Stag handle together. I spent lots of time looking on how to date this (knife Forums etc.) but came up empty. Does anyone here have the code dates and can anyone here help me out wit this vintage Marbles knife?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Chief38

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Not sure if I can date it.
But sure would like to see a picture!

 

[-db-]

A photo(s) would definitely help nail things down further but according to my Marble's Collectibles book, the 1916 patent mark on the Woodcraft series went away sometime around 1925, so that provides a rough 10-year window for your knife. The length of both the handle and blade, separately, along with the measurement of the nut at the pommel, would help bring us closer to a specific year. The spacer color codes you refer to only apply to a series of later Marble's knives made when Mike Stewart was at the helm in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

 

[chief38]

Here is a Photo. The cardboard blade protector (modern) is obviously not original.

 

[-db-]

Beautiful knife, now get me those measurements and we'll narrow the date down.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Great knife!
Have owned and used several Marbles, but none as nice as this one!

 

[30-30remchester]

Years ago I knew these by heart but now I have to look things up. What is the exact blade markings? Marbles never dated their blades but they did change blade markings over the years. Knowing the exact markings will give a time frame. Beautiful uncommon handle on an ordinary common blade pattern.

 

[chief38]

-db-

The dimensions are below. Your assistance is MUCH appreciated!

Marbles Woodcraft

Blade: 4.5"

Brass Finger Guard 0.125"

Handle: 3.125"

Pommel" 0.875"

OVERALL FROM TIP TO TAIL: 8.625"

MARKINGS (right side):
Pat'd. 1916
U.S.A.

MARKINGS: (left side)
Marbles
Gladstone
MICH. U.S.A

 

[-db-]

chief, I'll copy the pertinent information from the book I have:

...After the patent was granted, the blade stamp changed to Pat'd. 1916 U.S.A. The patent ran out in 1930. However, judging from the scarcity of 1916 marked specimens, it does not appear the mark went much beyond 1925.

...

Thumb rest styling changed from the original 1915 checkering to a fine file back circa 1917, a comb back circa 1930 and finally to no thumb rest in New Century production.

...

According to catalog descriptions, handles were lengthened from the 3 1/2 inch "Brooks" model to 3 3/4 inch (1915-1928), 3 7/8 inches (1928-1931) and to 4 1/4 in the present model.

Having examined this material in detail now, I'm afraid we still can't get any closer than the 1916-1925 timeframe, at least from the information presented in the book I have. I mistakenly assumed the measurements would get us closer when I quickly glanced at the book earlier today.

In any case, it's a beautiful knife that appears to be in excellent condition and is perhaps a fairly scarce one if the book is correct. I'm sure there are Marble's experts out there somewhere who could assess the knife and provide a good estimate as to the year it was made. Maybe try some of the larger knives forums where those guys hang out.

Here's a 1999 version I have of the same knife:

 

[chief38]

-db-

Thank you very much for the help! At least I have SOME IDEA when it was made. I originally would have guessed the mid to late 1940's but now I am thrilled to find out that it's almost 100 years old.

Thank you sir!

 

[chief38]

-db-

I've got three other Marbles knives too. The sheath knife pictured here is one I bought new, directly from Marbles custom Shop in 1999. The original Marbles sheath never gets used because one of my Bud's made me a custom mahogany one which is much better in fit & quality. This knife actually gets used for hunting and camping trips and is called "The Bison" which to the best of my knowledge was only made for one year. I like the shape and smaller size and handles very well.

Another one I have (actually gave it to my son the last time he went camping) is a Marbles Gladstone but made exclusively for LL Bean. I forget the exact name of the model, but it's almost a shortened version of the Woodcraft. Don't know where he hid it - so no picture (sorry). The Pocket knife is a 2001 Gladstone MSA Large Stockman that is in my pocket every single day. It is a limited edition (only 25 made) that is genuine Sambar and sharp enough to shave with. This is another EDC that actually gets used every day. Made in 2001 and marked MSA 2001 Gladstone.

 

[-db-]

Nice knives and that custom sheath is nice, too. The Stewart era at Marbles from 1997 to 2001 is when the best of the later knives came out of Gladstone (the big clue to these is the vintage-styled bobcat boxes these knives came in). Unfortunately, the attention to quality and detail didn't carry over to the sheaths. I need to get a custom one made for mine, too.

 

[chief38]

-db-

If I recall correctly, there was a fellow in charge of the Marbles Custom Shop named Bob Young. There were supposed to be a limited run of 25 Sambar Stag of the pictured Large Stockman pocket knife I purchased, but he told me they ran out of usable Stag after 15 or so and the others never received Sambar slabs. There were other limited editions that were the same knife but received MOP, Buffalo Horn, Tortious Shell, etc. so the story goes.

The Woodcraft I originally started this thread about is a real beauty and that one was found in an old abandon barn. It was all rusted in the original sheath and it took many many hours to bring back to life but the results were great.

I know there are many custom knives out there such as Randall, C. Reeve, etc that guys wait years for and pay big buck for but I can not say they are a whole lot better as working knives. These Marbles knives are razor sharp and hold a very descent edge for a long time. For the original price I don't think they cam be beat! I do sort of collect knives, but don't have any "Safe Queens" - they all get used.

 

[chief38]

It truly breaks my heart to now see the Marbles name stamped on Chinese junk knives they are selling now for $20 bucks. Unless someone owns one of the original Gladstone made knives they would never understand why someone would want to collect them. I suppose these knives have just gone the way of everything else in America - to China!

 

[garddogg56]

I love Marbles fixed blades I have one I inherited dates to the 1920's.

 

[G.T. Smith]

I like mine!

This knife belonged to my grandfather. My Dad gave it to me before he died in 1983. I holds an edge pretty well. Keepsake for sure. I carry it during deer season.
Peace,
Gordon

 

[chief38]

I love Marbles fixed blades I have one I inherited dates to the 1920's.

gardgogg56:

NICE!! hey I also have the SAME EXACT Old Timers folder in the back round I think it was the first knife I actually bought with my own money 50 years ago! I love to see knives that are actually used.

 

[chief38]

G T Smith:

Another great heirloom! Is that the original sheath?? Looks to be.

 

[garddogg56]

Me too Chief..GT that's a beauty..