Vintage Texaco Advertising Pocket Knife – HIT USA – Hays Hessette Station Champaign Illinois – Willis Pumphrey Keychain Knife

This quirky vintage keychain pocket knife comes packed with mid-century Americana! Originally an advertising giveaway for Hays Hessette Texaco of Champaign, Illinois, this piece found new life when a previous owner, "Willis Pumphrey," added his name to the front in classic embossed label style—most likely to prevent workplace mix-ups.

Maker: HIT USA
Blades: 2 – pen blade and nail file/cleaner
Handle Material: Metal frame with advertising panel and aftermarket nameplate
Bolsters: Nickel silver
Liners: Steel
Closed Length: Approx. 2 5/8"
Keychain: Original coiled spring keychain with ring

Condition:
This knife shows surface wear and a light patina consistent with daily use and age. Blades open and close properly but show signs of handling. Advertising panel and aftermarket nameplate are barely readable, but there for the most part. Please see photos for full condition details.

Historical Note:
Small promotional knives like this one were staples of American service stations and hardware stores throughout the 1940s–1960s. Customers received these handy giveaways as tokens of loyalty—practical tools that also quietly advertised the business in their pockets for years to come. HIT USA was one of the many manufacturers helping bring these familiar souvenirs to life.

Collector’s Note:
Though humble, knives like this capture the everyday spirit of working America. The added personal nameplate gives this piece a unique story—making it a fun addition for collectors of advertising memorabilia, gas station relics, or mid-century Americana.

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 try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!