ITEM DESCRIPTION:
VINTAGE GOLDEN COLA / SUN DROP ADVERTISING MINI POCKET KNIFE Maker: Imperial Knife Company (Providence, R.I.) Tang Stamp: U.S.A. P 2281782 Era: Circa 1940s–1950s Closed Length: Approx. 2 inches
ABOUT THIS ITEM & HISTORY: This is an authentic vintage advertising miniature keychain pocket knife promoting Golden Cola / Sun Drop soda. Manufactured in the USA by Imperial Knife Co., this piece features their patented stamped metal shell-handle design (Patent 2,281,782, granted in 1942) with classic off-white cream celluloid scales, three nickel-plated rivets, bold red stamped lettering, and a built-in lanyard/ball-chain hole.
During the 1940s and 1950s, these compact novelty folding knives were widely distributed by beverage bottlers, gas stations, and local general stores as promotional keepsakes.
HOW TO SELECT YOUR KNIFE: Please use the "Select Knife" drop-down menu above to choose your preferred piece (Options A through E). Each letter corresponds directly to the individual photos and detailed condition notes below. The knife you select is the exact physical item you will receive.
INDIVIDUAL CONDITION BREAKDOWN:
OPTION 1 (Top Knife) - Excellent / Collector Grade Blade: Bright factory polish, crisp tang stamp, no rust or pitting. Handle: Clean cream scales, bold red lettering with no fading.
OPTION 2 (2nd Knife) - Good Blade: Clean steel, sharp factory profile, distinct tang stamp. Handle: Full legible lettering; vintage edge patina along the lower rim.
OPTION 3 (3rd Knife / Middle) - Good Blade: Bright, clean blade surface and sharp stamp. Handle: Good uniform color; includes original vintage metal ball chain (shows rust).
OPTION 4 (4th Knife) - Good Blade: Clean blade surface and clear markings. Handle: Bold red lettering; minor age-related yellowing along the outer liner seam.
OPTION 5 (5th Knife / Bottom) - Fair / As-Is (Discounted Tier) Blade: Noticeable surface rust and oxidation near the tang and base; stamp partially obscured. Handle: Noticeable age-toning/staining on lower right side; light wear to "GOLDEN" lettering.
SHIPPING & PACKAGING: Each knife is wrapped with care and shipped inside a sturdy cardboard box with protective cushioning to ensure safe delivery. Combined shipping applies automatically when purchasing multiple items.
Please feel free to message with any questions!
See the Details: Please review all high-resolution photos carefully. They serve as the most accurate description and show the exact item(s) you will receive.
Questions? If you need a specific measurement or an extra angle, just ask before purchasing!
Independent Seller: I am not a big corporation; I'm an independent seller right here in Texas who loves finding unique pieces of history and sharing them with fellow collectors.
The Hunt: Most of my treasures are uncovered around the house, at local garage and estate sales, online, or while traveling the historic backroads of Texas. Over the last 25+ years on eBay, I've focused on sourcing authentic items and getting them safely into the hands of folks who appreciate them.
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Return Policy: Returns are accepted. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs, and items must be returned in their original, sent condition.