Rare Vintage PRESS BUTTON KNIFE CO. WALDEN KNIFE CO WALDEN, NY 1892-1923 "Invincible"  Model 

The Press Button Knife Co was a division of the Walden Knife Company and are among the oldest and most collectible of all the American made switchblades. 

This was the largest model Press Button Made and it measures 4 7/8" closed. A bit too large for the pocket it was used for Hunting, Fishing and Camping. The Clip point Blade on this model measures 3 3/4" no visible etch. (It is very rare to find one with a readable etching).

 Front side of the tang reads: PRESS BUTTON KNIFE CO WALDEN N.Y. (Tang stamp is clean and clear). This model is also marked on the backside of the tang, (normally it is blank, according to some price guides), and it reads "US PAT 470 605". The patent # is often seen when you comes across the old advertisements for this knife. Handles are Jigged Bone with Steel Liners and Nickel Silver Bolsters. 

The Press Button Knife Co was originally set up as a special division of the Walden Knife Co and was directed by George Schrade who bought an interest in the company and manufactured 9 basic patterns of Press Buttons with three of these being sold by Sears Roebuck in their catalog at the turn of the century.

 Schrade continued to work for the Walden Knife Co until 1903 before breaking off and selling his interest and forming a company with his brothers (Schrade Cutlery Company).. Approx 1911 Walden became a  subsidiary of the Simmons Hardware Co in St Louis with five models produced and marked Keen Kutter..

In 1922 Simmons merged with the Winchester Arms Co and it was decided to close the Walden Knife Co in 1923 which ended the Press Button Knife Company; in summary, any switchblade marked Press Button Knife Co is a worthy investment due to the early manufacture.

 A mint value of this model would be $1100+.  This piece would be listed as very good overall condition. It has up and down and side to side blade play in the open position. Nice action! Carbon Steel Blade is full and shows staining, pitting, and scratch marks on both sides. Handles show pin cracks on backside, but appear to be stabilized.  No other imperfections or shrinkage. Blade tip seats below the steel liners and is centered.

You will notice that Press Buttons do not feature a safety, that is because this was not invented yet with George Schrade introducing the "safety" feature on Schrade Cut Co marked models. The button is "recessed" like on many current manufactured models. Includes a custom zippered pouch. A superb    find for your vintage American collection.