Davy Crockett Pocket Knife Value Guide

Period
1950s
Origin
United States
Materials
steel, celluloid, brass
Category
Pocket knife

This vintage two-blade folding pocket knife is a quintessential relic of the 1950s Davy Crockett craze sparked by Disney's television series. Featuring a celluloid handle with a faux mother-of-pearl finish and an iconic image of the frontiersman, it represents a peak era for American novelty merchandise.

What affects the value of Davy Crockett Pocket Knife?

  • Condition of the celluloid handle, specifically looking for cracks, shrinkage, or 'outgassing' common in vintage plastics.
  • The clarity and preservation of the Davy Crockett graphic and text on the handle surface.
  • Mechanical functionality, including the 'snap' of the blades and the absence of significant rust or pitting on the steel.
  • Market demand for Disneyana and 1950s Western-themed memorabilia, which typically keeps values in the $35-$45 range.

How to Identify Davy Crockett Pocket Knife?

  • Look for the distinct Davy Crockett portrait and name printed on the faux mother-of-pearl celluloid handle.
  • Verify the construction materials, which should include steel blades, brass liners, and a two-blade folding mechanism.
  • Check for manufacturer marks from the Novelty Knife Company or similar mid-century US-based cutlery firms.
  • Confirm the 1950s era styling, characterized by the specific graphic application and handle texture.

History of Davy Crockett Pocket Knife

During the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s, novelty pocket knives became popular collectibles, often featuring iconic figures or advertising. The Davy Crockett craze, fueled by Disney's television series in the mid-1950s, led to a surge in merchandise, including these souvenir knives. Many were produced by companies like the Novelty Knife Company, making them common yet charming relics of a bygone era in American pop culture.

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