Foster Bros. Cleaver History

[Florida Jim]

Do any of you cleaver gurus have some history regarding the Foster Bros. and their cutlery? I've found one or two sites with a little bit of historical info (Kitchen Knife Forum- "whatshefed"), but not much. It seems to me that Foster Bros. cleavers could be partially dated by the blade stampings, i.e. the arrow and "Trade Mark", Foster Bros., Solid Steel, Fulton, blade lengths stamped by just a number ("9") or with a number code ("118", "2190", etc.). I found a link somewhere that stated that the 2190 would indicate different types of steels (2,1) in the blade (high carbon, nickel...), and the "9" would be the length. Anyone have some feedback? Thanks.

 

[ithinkverydeeply]

1878ish-1890 FOSTER BROS. (founding name of company)
1891-1904 FOSTER BROS. COMPANY (incorporated under new name)
1904-1953 FOSTER BROS. & CHATILLON CO. (acquired by Chatillon)
1953-1956 FOSTER BROS.
1957+ COLUMBIA CUTLERY CORP uses FOSTER BRO. LOGO, original plant closes

doesn’t help that they used the same name in the 1880’s and the 1950’s.

 

[Florida Jim]

You're right about them using the same name and confusing the issue...I guess the condition and patina will help determine the earliest cleavers vs. the 1950s cleavers.