Vintage 1938–1941 Hammer Brand Two-Blade Pen Knife – Swirled Celluloid Handles – Pre-WWII USA Made

This vintage Hammer Brand pen knife was made in the United States between 1938 and 1941, during the brief and historically significant transition period when Imperial Knife Co. had just acquired the Hammer Brand name from New York Knife Co. The knife features a beautiful pair of swirled celluloid handles with rich caramel and cream tones, capped by rounded nickel silver bolsters. It houses two carbon steel blades — a clip point and a pen blade — with a traditional jack knife configuration.

Both blades show honest wear from age and use but retain good form and open with firm snap. The master blade is stamped with the iconic Hammer Brand logo featuring the raised arm and hammer, confirming this knife’s origin during that short pre-war window. The swedges along the clip point are clean and lightly rounded — a nod to the careful detail work common before wartime economies impacted production quality.

Specifications

Maker: Hammer Brand (Imperial Knife Co.)

Era: Circa 1938–1941

Blades: Two (clip point and pen blade)

Handle: Swirled celluloid with nickel silver bolsters

Length (closed): Approx. 3 1/8"

Tang Stamp: Hammer Brand (with arm & hammer logo)

Condition
Good vintage condition. Blades show general age-related wear, including some darkening and minor surface spotting. Good snap on both blades. Handles are in great shape with no cracks; however, there's some minor discoloration on one handle. A well-preserved pre-war knife ready for your collection or pocket.

Historical Note
Hammer Brand knives of this era are highly collectible due to their link to New York Knife Co. and their position as early Imperial-made pieces before the war. This example, with its distinctive tang stamp and celluloid styling, bridges the old-world craftsmanship of the early 20th century with the mass-production realities of WWII America.

Collector's Note
Knives from this exact production window — just before the U.S. entered World War II — are becoming increasingly rare. This piece represents a slice of American manufacturing history and is a fine candidate for display, pocket carry, or historical appreciation.

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. This knife ships wrapped in acid-free archival tissue to help preserve both the blade and handle during transit and storage.

By purchasing this knife, you are confirming that you are 18 years of age or older and are complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding knife ownership in your area.