Antique L Terwilliger Norfolk VA Pocket Knife Key Holder Funeral Director
$ 15.31
Description
This item looks like a pocket knife, but holds only an old key. The case looks like celluloid or perhaps gutta-percha. One one side "L.Terwilliger & Co., Inc Norfolk, Virginia" is impressed, and on the other "The Peerless Line". L. Terwilliger was a funeral director/ embalmer in Norfolk, Virginia. A 1905 issue of the Norfolk Dispatch noted that they had moved their business, and a 1926 issue of the Goldsboro (NC) News mentioned their presence at a funeral directors' trade show". I could find no other mention of the company online. The case has some scratches and wear, and has to be titled in the light for the letters to be completely readable. The key has some light rust. A very unusual key holder!
