Vintage J. Koester & Sons Advertising Pocket Knife | German-Made for Shapleigh Hardware | Early 20th Century Collectible

This vintage pocket knife, stamped “J. Koester & Sons” on the tang, is a rare and intriguing piece of cutlery history. Likely produced in Ohligs, Germany, this knife was manufactured for Shapleigh Hardware Company, a prominent American hardware distributor based in St. Louis, Missouri. The collaboration between J. Koester & Sons and Shapleigh Hardware exemplifies the transatlantic partnerships that were common in the cutlery industry during the early 20th century.

🔍 Specifications:
Maker: J. Koester & Sons (Ohligs, Germany)

Distributor: Shapleigh Hardware Company (St. Louis, Missouri, USA)

Blades: 2 (spear point and pen blade)

Handle: Likely jigged bone or synthetic material (please confirm)

Bolsters: Nickel silver

Length (Closed): Approximately 3 1/4 inches

Function: Slipjoint (non-locking)

🛠 Condition:
The knife is in good vintage condition. Both blades open and close smoothly with good snap. The handle scales are intact with minimal wear, and the bolsters show typical light oxidation consistent with age. The tang stamp is partially obscured by the handle but remains legible.

🏙️ Historical Note:
J. Koester & Sons was a German cutlery manufacturer based in Ohligs, a region renowned for its blade-making heritage. They produced knives for various American companies, including Shapleigh Hardware, which operated from 1843 to 1960 and was known for its "Diamond Edge" brand. This knife likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, a period when many American hardware companies sourced quality cutlery from German manufacturers.

Disclaimer: All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I strive to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!