I.Wilson knives

[T.C.Albert]

Who is a good expert on early I Wilson trade knives?
TC

[rich pierce]

Mike R.

[Beaverman]

You may want to contact Windy over on the ML mags campfire topics, very knowledgeable also!

[b bogart]

I don't know but if you find out let me know. I have one that is in OK shape and I was wondering about it.

[Chuck Burrows]

Info garnered from another forum:
The very earliest I (actually J for John) Wilson marks have just the peppercorn and diamond that was used from 1766 into the first quarter of the 19th century from then until 1849 they marked with just the I. Wilson and the peppercorn and diamond.
From 1849 to 1891 when the McKinley Act came into effect they were marked with the peppercorn and diamond I. Wilson with shear or cast steel under that with an oval around it. Knives made from 1891 to 1908 would be marked I. Wilson and the peppercorn and diamond
with a second stamp off to the side of Sheffield England or marked with the
peppercorn and diamond I. Wilson with shear or cast steel under that with an oval around
it all with a second stamp off to the side of Sheffield England.

Also some in fo on John Wilson marks for 1831:
http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/1-rmc/pdfs/johnwilson-knife-marks1831.pdf

You might also PM Pichou via the MLF or Frontier Folk boards - IIRC he is doing his dissertation on English trade knives

[T.C.Albert]

Thanks all...looks like this is one fron the second batch noted by Chuck...
I will write Pichau and ask for more info for sure, that little notch under the blade is most curious. As I mentioned, the fellow that drew my attention to it noted that feature on excavated trade blades at various dig sites as well...
TC

[mill creek trading]

This has to be one of the best sites on the net. Everyone is so quick to share their knowledge.  Thanks  Dennis