Identifying and Valuing Vintage Bates & B Gold Pocket Knife
Question
Bates & B Knife
I have a Bates & B yellow gold knife, approximately 2" in length with a blade marked Bates & B on one side and a combo curved nail file and possible nail cleaner on the other. The hanging ring of the knife is also marked Bates & B. The outside of the knife on both sides, has a scroll pattern with a plain oval which is not engraved. This belonged to my grandfather. I will be 65 years old so the knife is probably from the early 1900's, or possibly earlier. Question 1: Did Bates & B manufacture any items in gold or just gold-filled? Question 2: Is this knife rare? I am unable to locate anything about this knife on the internet.
AnswerHello Sharon and thank you for your inquiry. As far as I can tell Bates and Bacon produced mostly gold-filled and plated items. They did produce accessories such as knives and fobs as well as jewelry. My earliest information for them is 1900. Their items were very popular and high quality. I wasn't able to find out anything about their knives specifically but one in good condition would be collectible as most of them were used and probably damaged or lost. Several similar items I have found online sold for $50-100 in good condition. Hope this helps and enjoy your knife !
Sally
jarrettsjade.com
