Aerial Cutlery Co: A Historical Overview (1912-1944)
The genesis of Aerial Cutlery Co can be traced back to Fred Jaeger, Sr., who, working as a cutlery salesman, envisioned a company founded on principles of quality. Initially established as Aerial Cutlery Manufacturing Company in Duluth, Minnesota, either in 1909 or 1912, the company later shortened its name to Aerial Cutlery Co. In 1913, the entire operation was relocated to Marinette, Wisconsin. The name “Aerial” itself carried symbolic weight, inspired by the iconic Aerial Bridge in Duluth, which represented the “high ideals, lofty aspirations, and quality products” that Jaeger sought to embody in his enterprise. This deliberate choice of name suggests an early emphasis on craftsmanship and product excellence, a characteristic that may have extended to their military production efforts.
Beyond their military contributions, Aerial Cutlery Co maintained a diverse portfolio of products during the 1912-1944 timeframe. Their initial offerings included a wide array of knives, many featuring intricately carved handles depicting nature and wildlife scenes. The company also served as a major supplier to Sears Roebuck, indicating a significant scale of production for the civilian market, and they undertook custom design work for specialized orders. In the 1920s, Aerial expanded its reach into barber supplies, actively selling straight razors, shears, sharpening strops, and hones. During the economic hardships of the 1930s, the company demonstrated adaptability by distributing a variety of other goods, including radios, fishing equipment, jewelry, and silverware, alongside their established cutlery line. This diverse manufacturing and distribution background suggests a company with established infrastructure and the ability to adjust its production based on prevailing market demands, a valuable asset when wartime needs arose.
Aerial Cutlery Co played a crucial role in supporting the war efforts during World War I and, more significantly, World War II. While specific details regarding their involvement in WWI are limited in the provided material, their contribution to WWII is well-documented. The company manufactured substantial quantities of pocketknives, bayonets, and military trench knives for the Armed Forces. Their efforts were recognized with the prestigious Army-Navy E Award, a testament to their outstanding contribution to the war effort. Notably, Aerial produced approximately 91,898 M4 bayonets, a figure that positions them as a relatively less common manufacturer of this particular item, potentially increasing its rarity for collectors. While not explicitly stated as a primary product in all sources, there is an implication that Aerial also produced M3 trench knives, given mentions in discussions about their military knife production and comparisons with M3 designs. Records indicate that the company’s tang stampings were used until 1944, but some sources suggest that knife production continued as late as 1944 , with other accounts pointing to potential production into the late 1940s or early 1950s. This discrepancy in reported end dates could reflect variations in the production of different product lines or nuances in historical record-keeping. Furthermore, early in their military production, Aerial reportedly used the marking “ACC” on M4 bayonets (and potentially M3 trench knives), which was sometimes mistaken for the mark of American Cutlery Co. This early marking is significant for identification purposes and could hold additional value for collectors interested in specific production variations.
