Antique 1920s Nuvalu US Athletic Co Chicago Thistle Handle Trailing Point Knife For Sale

Antique 1920s Nuvalu US Athletic Co Chicago Thistle Handle Trailing Point Knife
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Buy Now

Antique 1920s Nuvalu US Athletic Co Chicago Thistle Handle Trailing Point Knife:
$119.99

Rare Antique 1910s–1920s "Nuvalu" Trailing Point Hunting Knife – U.S. Athletic Co. Chicago – Embossed Black Thistle Head Handle – Nickel Silver Guard – Leather Sheath – 8-7/8" Overall

Up for sale/sale is a scarce and highly collectible antique American hunting knife from the golden age of Chicago sporting goods: a "Nuvalu" Trailing Point Hunter, marketed by the U.S. Athletic Company of Chicago.

Dating to the 1910s–1920s, this piece features the iconic molded "Thistle-Top" handle—a design contracted through premier American cutlery makers of the period (such as Union Cutlery / OLCUT / Ka-Bar and J. Russell).

Historical & Collector Highlights:

  • Historic Chicago Sporting Goods Pedigree: Deeply stamped on the ricasso with the trademark "Nuvalu" pierced by an arrow, over "U.S. Athletic Co. / Chicago". U.S. Athletic Co. was the renowned sporting goods and outdoor tackle arm of the historic VIM Company.

  • Embossed "Thistle Head" Grip: The solid black molded composition handle features the classic embossed Scottish thistle bulb pommel. This ergonomic handle pattern was one of the most distinctive hunting knife designs of the early 20th century.

  • Upswept Trailing Point Profile: Forged high-carbon steel blade measuring 4-3/4" with a pronounced sweeping belly, engineered for precision skinning and camp utility.

  • Period Construction: Fitted with a classic thin nickel-silver guard and accompanied by a fold-over, single-stitched leather belt sheath.

Physical & Cosmetic Condition:

  • Blade & Tang: Full blade profile with a sharp, functional edge and intact upswept point. Displays honest antique gray carbon toning, light surface pepper spots, and vintage patina consistent with a century of age. The ricasso die stamp remains mostly sharp and legible, except for the N in Nuvalu, which looks to be faded. Please see pictures for the details!

  • Handle & Guard: The molded black thistle handle is intact, tight, and structurally solid with no major breaks or missing chunks. The nickel-silver guard is tight with minimal play.

  • Sheath: The included fold-over leather sheath is complete with sound stitching, showing natural leather aging, surface scuffs, and honest field wear.

A rare find for collectors of early American hunting knives, vintage Chicago outdoor tackle, or historic "Thistle Top" cutlery variants.

Please review all high-resolution macro photos closely to inspect the ricasso stamp, thistle handle detail, and blade steel condition. Securely packaged and shipped fully insured with tracking.

Related Items:

Rare antique 1920's S.S. AVALON Steamship wool Pennant 29

Rare antique 1920's S.S. AVALON Steamship wool Pennant 29"

$149.00


Antique 1920s Nuvalu US Athletic Co Chicago Thistle Handle Trailing Point Knife picture

Antique 1920s Nuvalu US Athletic Co Chicago Thistle Handle Trailing Point Knife

$119.99


RARE antique 1920's CALIFORNIA Wool Pennant Hand sewn letters 24

RARE antique 1920's CALIFORNIA Wool Pennant Hand sewn letters 24"

$49.00