Codger_64
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I'll let the forum vote on this one. It was made to commemorate the 1984 Olympics Shooting Team, limited to 1,000 pieces, and this one is serial number 0959. There is another on eBay just now with a serial number of 1172 (290012522001). If you reeeealy want it, the BIN price is $250.
(now ask me how it could be a serial number that high when only 1,000 were made)
These knives do commemorate an event, a particular year, a specific team. I would imagine a percent of the profits went to sponsor the team (more research needed here). It has a tangstamp of SC502 which denotes a scrim, and ivory delrin handle with the official team design, a special Schrade box proclaiming it to be a.....
Codger_64 said:
Alrighty then, since nobody asked, I'm gonna tell you anyway. The knives came with serial numbers ranging up into the 1,200's or so. Anytime they made a special run, they made a few more than the order required to allow for rejects. Finished knives could be rejected for bad scrim, hits (scratches and dings) in the handle or blade, bad grinds, sunken rivets, and a dozen other flaws. To allow for these, a percentage of overruns were made. When issues are non-serialized, it isn't apparent. When they are, a number higher than the quoted limit of the edition tended to miff the buyers. Here is a copy of a letter from Westwind explaining this to a dissapointed buyer.
Transcription (best I could do in reading it)
"
Thank you for your letter of August 13, 1984. I can appreciate your concern.
The U.S. Shooting Team knife was indeed limited to a quantity of 1,000, with an additional 250 which were 24K gold filled and supplied in a walnut presentation case.
These special presentation knives were offered complementary to certain dignitaries in the shooting industry, with the balance offered for sale only on the site of the shooting competition in L.A. at a price of $149.95.
Apparently, the etching company mistakenly pulled some knives from the **** above 1,000. Possibly, this mistake makes your knife more collectable and I suggest keeping this letter with it.
As an option, if you will return your knife, I will replace it with another guaranteed to be under serial number 590. Or if you wish to order the special presentation knife, please return your knife and a check for the difference.
We do have an agreement with Mr. ***** and the host, however, not knowing their policies, the amount per knife should remain confidential.
I am sure Mr. Brown will verify that these quantities are indeed correct. As our ads state, we specialize in investment grade commemoratives, and would never jeopardize our reputation by misleading our customers.
Sincerely,
(SIGNED)
Dale G. Thomas
President
As you will note, the first editions with the lowest serial numbers and gold etch went to people like the dignitaries, and team sponsors. The remainder was sold to the general public at the Olympic venue.
Transcription of the ad:
UNITED STATES SHOOTING TEAM Limited Edition Commemorative Knife
Westwind has chosen the Schrade Scrimshaw Sharpfinger to remember our Gold Medal efforts this summer in Los Angeles.
Only 1,000 of these knives will be produced, each individually numbered. Watch for the U.S.S.T.
Commemorative knife in booth #153 at the Guns & Ammo 1984 Shooting Expo, July 29 thru August 4, adjacent to the shooting area.
Purchase this beautiful commemorative of the summer games and Westwind will donate a portion of the proceeds to the United States Shooting Team.
Enclosed find my check for $69.95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling.
The ad appears to be from the Olympic venue publication, as the bottom of the page says "1984 Olympic Shooting Sports", so maybe it was a venue only sales, not a national ad campaign. More research is definately needed!
Here is the Schrade/Westwind COA included with each knife.
Here is a closeup comparison of the etch on my knife and the one in the Westwind illustration.
I get quite a bit of important information from such comparisons. Do you? I see two diferent sets of artwork, the text being changed from the photosample to my knife. Mine must be a reject for the etch running into the tangstamp. I really need to see more of these. Anyone else have one to show?
Codger
Edit: Add transcription and revise text.
