Help to I.D. Antique Blade

[Chino]

My friend found this old blade on his property in Central AZ. We are researching the first pioneers to settle in the area and we are hoping that someone out there can give us some info on this old knife like age, manufacturer, what it was used for etc. Anything at all will help. On one side it is stamped "W.S. L----RBACK Patented Sept 25 1866" As you can see there are four letters in the name we cannot make out. The knife seems to be made of cheap metal and is thin like a kitchen knife.
Here are some photos.
Thank You!

[bladethang]

I searched the U.S. patent website and found only one knife patented on that particular date, it was made by Landers, Frary and Clark, located in New Britain, Connecticut.
It was in business from 1865 to 1950, and was one of the largest cutlery manufacturers in the world,the pattern I saw on the site was very much like your knife and I suspect it was one of their knives, with maybe a stores name on it. They were also traded to the indians back in those days also. It was designed as a carving knife for the dinner table, I found one on ebay that also has the fork with it, you may want to go look at it, just search under L.F.&C. knife or Landers, Frary and Clark knife and you will see it.

[Chino]

Originally Posted by bladethang

I searched the U.S. patent website and found only one knife patented on that particular date, it was made by Landers, Frary and Clark, located in New Britain, Connecticut.
It was in business from 1865 to 1950, and was one of the largest cutlery manufacturers in the world,the pattern I saw on the site was very much like your knife and I suspect it was one of their knives, with maybe a stores name on it. They were also traded to the indians back in those days also. It was designed as a carving knife for the dinner table, I found one on ebay that also has the fork with it, you may want to go look at it, just search under L.F.&C. knife or Landers, Frary and Clark knife and you will see it.

Wow! THANK YOU! I couldn't find anything on the web about it but I'm not very good at such things. Our group will be thrilled to hear what you have found. We will have to research what the "L-----RBACK" means!
Thanks again, buddy!

[hammerdownnow]

Good work BT!!!!!!