Claude said:
Google "acorn star handle". Made by Goodell.
The lower knife with the sheath I would agree is an original Goodell and it comes from a very highly regarded auction site with bonafide experts, but the upper knife IMO no way - too crude - compare the workmanship on the inlays and the bolster between the two. The upper one is also from Ebay - unfortunately a major home for crapola "copies" of "antiques" sold as originals. There can be some good buys there, but unless you REALLY know you're subject buying such items on Ebay is a big risk so caveat emptor. Worthpoint also has several Goodell's listed from Ebay and only one would I consider to be a bonafide original.
Lars Hotham's book "Indian Trade Relics Identification & Values" featured a Goodell with the acorn and star motif and the artifakes began showing up when the values began to rise - from under $10.00 or so to pushing $200.00 (the current bid on the Ebay knife - nice ROI for a fake) - when prices like that occur the scammers go to work big time.
On another forum Bernard Levine, well known knife expert, stated the following regarding a Goodell posted there (unfortunately no pics):
Star handle decorations and/or rivets usually indicated a premium priced line of butcher cutlery
Ditto for diamonds -- e.g. LF&C's Blue Diamond brand.
Trade knives, by contrast, were the least expensive knives made.
This slight disconnect will never deter the fantasizers.
Star handle knives are also advertised as Texas Confederate.
"Tell people that what YOU happen to have is exactly what THEY want... and some of them will believe it."
I don't always agree with Mr. Levine's "conclusions", but in this case he hit the nail on the head.
For those interested in the subject some further info on Goodell by Mr Levine
Goodell pioneered the use of centrifuge-cast pewter bolsters in the late 1860s.
However the deep etched marking on this blade means it is 1880s or later.
Furthermore, the acute angle of the clip point suggests it is even later.
An 1880s clip point on a butcher knife was a right angle.
Any book that calls this an Indian trade relic is not worth the paper it is printed on. Pure fantasy.
David H. Goodell joined the Antrim (NH) shovel company in 1856. But it failed
The company was reorganized under new owners in 1867. Goodell rented space there, began making patent apple peelers, other gadgets.
Nearby Woods Cutlery Co. patented one type of pewter bolster cutlery in 1868 (note the date - which was used by the Ebay dealer - see note below).
Goodell began selling this cutlery under his own name; soon afterwards he acquired Woods.
Goodell Company incorporated in 1875.
In 1981 Goodell was sold to Chicago Cutlery Co.
However he accepted the position of treasurer and bookkeeper with the Antrim Shovel Company which was just starting in 1857. In 1858 he became general agent for the next six years. When the company moved from town, David started manufacturing an apple parer which he had invented. He was very successful until the factory burned down, without insurance. However, he rebuilt the plant and his success continued. In 1870, because he had guaranteed the notes of the Treadwell Company for $50,000 be became bankrupt. Again he went to work and paid off his debts and in 1872 he helped organize the Woods Cutlery Company which he bought out in 1875, and made it a part of his Goodale (sic)& Company.
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=dcarlsen&id=I18341
more info about Goodell from a book on the history of Antrim where the knives were produced
http://books.google.com/books?id=y...v=onepage&q=Goodell and woods cutlery&f=false
Since Goodell was not involved in the cutlery business until 1872 (prior to that date he made shovels, apple parers, and seed sowers not knives) that 1868 date for the Ebay knife is wrong.
again nothing wrong with the knife per se and I would use it with pride, but based on years of studying the subject in depth it is not an original product of Goodell or any other period maker, but a 20th Century repro/artifake