First post: Schrade 153 UH Date of manufacture

[hodg0610]

One more data point for everyone: I just purchased a 153UH SN: 235227 with the original warranty card dated 3-1-80. It once belonged to a Rex Jones of Whittier CA.

Rex, if you are out there, I'll be sure to take care of your knife.

 

[ShanParker85]

Welcome to the Schrade Collectors Forum!

Contrary to what most non-collectors of all things Schrade might think, the earlier Uncle Henry and Old Timer knives were indeed serialized. Earliest production of the 153UH Golden Spike was marked with a serial number on a left guard front. The intent was to register and track knives for warranty purposes.

The highest serial number I have noted so far is #422056, though this most likely is not the highest serial number made. According to a Schrade newsletter, serialization was to have ended as of January 1st, 1980. It is not known yet for sure whether this production change was made just after that internal memo or some time later.

I've not yet done a complete survey of the production records for this pattern, so I can't tell you exactly what year yours was made. Most likely it was after 1972 (only a very few were produced with the Schrade-Walden tang stamp before the company name was changed to "SCHRADE" in 1973).

Can you post pictures of your knife and sheath? We might be able to tell you more about it if we can see it. And also the associated box and papers if you have them. Logos and slogans help pare down the date too.

Ive been reading post's on here,I'm also just trying to get an idea of yr my 153uh serial# 229063 might be,i haven't seen any on here with around same numbers,I've been curious because it does look pretty old,can you or anyone help me with idea of yr?

 

[tongueriver]

The Schrade folk who have been around for awhile know that this 153UH is special. When I get hold of it I will try to get some better images.

 

[tongueriver]

I received this mint example this morning. 9 3/8 inches overall with 4 15/16 inches non-stainless trailing-point sabre-ground blade.Tang-stamped SCHRADE-WALDEN over N.Y.U.S.A. 153 on ‘right’ side, read with point held upward. Etched on the same side of the blade SCHRADE over SUPER-SHARP in block letters, somewhat faded. Brass half guard stamped Uncle Henry in a cursive font on ‘right’ side, and 00796 on ‘left’ side. Molded Delrin finger-groove handle in the “Staglon®” pattern over the hidden tang is surmounted at both ends with black-white-black spacers. The handle is generally lighter (as were all these first ones) than later examples of the pattern. The pommel is a flat brass plate, secured to the tang with a phillips screw. This knife was manufactured during the 1972/1973 changeover in Schrade branding from the earlier (1947-1973) Schrade Walden marque. About a dozen or so serial numbers from that early SW tang-stamping have been identified, and it has been suggested that there were about 2000 made in that stamping. This example is mint. The high-quality top-grain leather sheath is fully intact, with all stitching, supple, no significant scratches, and has the stone pocket with un-used original stone. The sheath and stone are original and correct to the knife, and show almost no use or signs of carry. The box and paperwork are missing. This is a rather rare and desirable knife in mint condition. I also have another one in good but not great condition, with serial number 01535.

 

[Codger_64]

I received this mint example this morning. 9 3/8 inches overall with 4 15/16 inches non-stainless trailing-point sabre-ground blade.Tang-stamped SCHRADE-WALDEN over N.Y.U.S.A. 153 on ‘right’ side, read with point held upward. Etched on the same side of the blade SCHRADE over SUPER-SHARP in block letters, somewhat faded. Brass half guard stamped Uncle Henry in a cursive font on ‘right’ side, and 00796 on ‘left’ side. Molded Delrin finger-groove handle in the “Staglon®” pattern over the hidden tang is surmounted at both ends with black-white-black spacers. The handle is generally lighter (as were all these first ones) than later examples of the pattern. The pommel is a flat brass plate, secured to the tang with a phillips screw. This knife was manufactured during the 1972/1973 changeover in Schrade branding from the earlier (1947-1973) Schrade Walden marque. About a dozen or so serial numbers from that early SW tang-stamping have been identified, and it has been suggested that there were about 2000 made in that stamping. This example is mint. The high-quality top-grain leather sheath is fully intact, with all stitching, supple, no significant scratches, and has the stone pocket with un-used original stone. The sheath and stone are original and correct to the knife, and show almost no use or signs of carry. The box and paperwork are missing. This is a rather rare and desirable knife in mint condition. I also have another one in good but not great condition, with serial number 01535.

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What a great find! And worthy of searching out the correct box and papers too! You have to know they exist is some obscure collector's closet of accumulations just waiting to be unloaded by an estate seller unwise to their history and importance. Congratulations on the new addition to the addiction!