dmamj
SILVER Star
- Vehicle Model
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This small pocket knife commemorates Toyota's 100,000th unit produced, a milestone which occurred on May 10, 1947. Toyota held a pretty big celebration, and I would imagine these were given to folks at the ceremony. See the last photo (credit to Toyota UK Magazine). The event may have taken place at the Koromo plant, but just not sure. In the photo, the crowd's attention is drawn to the center, where the individual facing the audience appears to be showing or presenting something to another. It's a small object, and who knows, maybe it was one of these knives. We can dream, can't we?
The body of the knife has an image of what looks like a BM model as well as the TEQ logo. Toyota began production of the BM in 1947 and the truck in the last photo appears to be a BM also, so it stands to reason that truck is the 100,000th unit. Notice all the other vehicles in the background.
The opposite side also has a depiction of a truck. The top row translates loosely to "Toyota Motor Sales 100,000 Cars Completed", but I don't know the precise translation. The bottom row says, "Toyota Motor Company, LTD". The blades could use some sharpening, but are still open tightly and securely. The whole knife is in the condition you see, which I feel is very nice overall.
I don't know how many of these knives were made or who they were issued to, but this is only one of two of this type I have ever seen. Any additional knowledge out there which can be shared is most welcome - always looking to be educated. Thanks to @musthave for providing some information on a very similar version of the knife without the TEQ logo from 1957 in this post:
forum.ih8mud.com
$250, but willing to trade for early canvas tool rolls and tools. Inquire within...
The body of the knife has an image of what looks like a BM model as well as the TEQ logo. Toyota began production of the BM in 1947 and the truck in the last photo appears to be a BM also, so it stands to reason that truck is the 100,000th unit. Notice all the other vehicles in the background.
The opposite side also has a depiction of a truck. The top row translates loosely to "Toyota Motor Sales 100,000 Cars Completed", but I don't know the precise translation. The bottom row says, "Toyota Motor Company, LTD". The blades could use some sharpening, but are still open tightly and securely. The whole knife is in the condition you see, which I feel is very nice overall.
I don't know how many of these knives were made or who they were issued to, but this is only one of two of this type I have ever seen. Any additional knowledge out there which can be shared is most welcome - always looking to be educated. Thanks to @musthave for providing some information on a very similar version of the knife without the TEQ logo from 1957 in this post:
Vintage TOYOTA MOTOR Hand Tools and "TEQ" Accessories
Thanks for the posts @pHilpineS . Nice collection of tools! Regarding the yellow handle screwdriver, there are two variations. The earlier variant has the katakana "TEQ" Toyota logo like in your first picture. The other is essentially the same as the first, but without the katakana logo. I...
forum.ih8mud.com
$250, but willing to trade for early canvas tool rolls and tools. Inquire within...
