Antique Circa 1900 Solingen German Souvenir Pocket Knife – Chicago Exposition, D. Peres / Magnetic Cutlery Co.

This antique German-made souvenir pocket knife is a striking example of turn-of-the-century Solingen export craftsmanship, produced for the American market during the height of World’s Fair and exposition culture. Manufactured in Solingen and distributed in the United States by Magnetic Cutlery Co., this knife was designed as a commemorative keepsake rather than a heavy-duty working tool.

The ornate cast-metal handles feature richly detailed imagery marked “Souvenir of Chicago”, including period architectural scenes such as the U.S. Government Building, alongside figural motifs typical of late-19th-century souvenir knives. These elements strongly align the knife with the Chicago World’s Fair / Columbian Exposition era, when Solingen makers produced large quantities of commemorative cutlery for American importers.

The master blade is tang stamped D. Peres – Solingen, Germany, with the reverse tang reading Magnetic Cutlery Co., Phila., PA, confirming its export and distribution history. The smaller pen blade bears the marking “G. Gesch.”, indicating a German registered design (Gebrauchsmuster geschützt), a marking most commonly encountered on pre-World War I knives.

🔧 Specs:

Maker: D. Peres – Solingen, Germany

Importer / Distributor: Magnetic Cutlery Co. – Philadelphia, PA

Pattern: Two-blade Jack Knife (Souvenir Pattern)

Blades: Clip Point Master & Pen Blade

Blade Markings:

Master: D. Peres Solingen Germany / Magnetic Cutlery Co. Phila PA

Pen: G. Gesch.

Handle: Cast metal souvenir handle with Chicago-themed imagery

Closed Length: Approx. 3 3/8"

Action: Good snap on both blades

🔎 Condition Note:

This knife is in fair to good antique condition, appropriate for a decorative souvenir piece of this age. Both blades open and close with good snap. There is noticeable side-to-side play present in both blades, which has been fully disclosed and reflected in pricing. The blades show honest age patina and surface wear consistent with early-20th-century steel. Handle details remain well-defined with no structural cracks observed.

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

📜 Historical Note:

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Solingen makers supplied enormous quantities of souvenir knives for the American market, particularly in connection with world’s fairs and major civic exhibitions. Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition helped popularize souvenir cutlery featuring monumental architecture and patriotic themes. Importers such as Magnetic Cutlery Co. played a key role in distributing these pieces across the United States, where they were purchased as keepsakes rather than everyday tools.

🧲 Collector’s Note:

Souvenir knives occupy a unique niche between cutlery history and Americana. While not intended for hard use, they offer exceptional visual interest and historical context. This example stands out for its detailed handle artwork, dual German-American markings, and clear ties to the Chicago exposition era. It makes an excellent display piece for collectors of antique knives, world’s fair memorabilia, or Solingen export cutlery.

⚠️ 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, blade wear, or mechanical looseness. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos.
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.