1st Older Buck 110, need help.

Vanguard41xx

Vanguard41xx

Joined
Dec 29, 2010
Messages
3,135
Hey guys. I picked up this Buck110 at an antique store over break. Surprisingly, this is the 1st old 110 I've ever seen in person. I don't know much about Buck knives, so I need a little help. Is the sheath original to the knife? What is its age? Is this particular model rare/valuable? (I paid twenty dollars for it). Thank you guys.


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It looks to be a 5th version, variation 3. The sheath appears to be correct.

"Variation 3 (1972-1974)19
Stamp: BUCK, 110, U.S.A., left hand. Read with tip point up, 440C steel.
Blade/Butt rivets: Visible on both sides of bolsters, 2 rear, 1 front.
Inlay rivets: 2 (small headed)
Rocker rivet: Stainless, headed.
Sheath: Black leather. C.
Packaging: 2 piece yellow box about 2” high-(4), Use and Care leaflet dated- 4/4/72-(3),1/73-(1), white tissue-(1), “Attention” leaflet orange-(3)."
 
Vanguard,

That looks like a 5th Version Variation 3 to me (about 1974 to 1975). The sheath looks right, but someone else can probably tell you more about that.

Bert
 
Van, Welcome. All looks to be correct for a 1974, Buck 110. Blade steel is 440C and handles are Macassar ebony. The last one like that I purchased which was in excellent condition w/ box and paperwork I gave 90$ for it. SO, you got a good deal.
Those are not easy to find now days. DM
 
Plumberdv said:
It looks to be a 5th version, variation 3. The sheath appears to be correct.

"Variation 3 (1972-1974)19
Stamp: BUCK, 110, U.S.A., left hand. Read with tip point up, 440C steel.
Blade/Butt rivets: Visible on both sides of bolsters, 2 rear, 1 front.
Inlay rivets: 2 (small headed)
Rocker rivet: Stainless, headed.
Sheath: Black leather. C.
Packaging: 2 piece yellow box about 2” high-(4), Use and Care leaflet dated- 4/4/72-(3),1/73-(1), white tissue-(1), “Attention” leaflet orange-(3)."
Click to expand...

Wow, great information! Thank you for the quick reply. Did I do OK on what I paid?
 
Looks like I was beaten by a nose at the finish line by Dave.
 
Vanguard41xx said:
Wow, great information! Thank you for the quick reply. Did I do OK on what I paid?
Click to expand...

Yes, as David Martin said. you got a great deal. It looks to be in good shape and a trip back to Buck for a spa job, would make it look nearly new.
 
On that one we discussed it recently and I guess it depends on which author you adhere to. Berts 1975 date is not out of line. DM
 
Plumberdv said:
I must have missed that discussion, can you post a link to the thread?

I just used the data direct from Joe's sticky. I thought the two dots started in '74.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/612901-revised-110-112-data-sheet-as-of-gt-5-1-08
Click to expand...

I'm with you on this Plumberdv.

Joe's data sheet is what I always go by. I usually try to hit the middle grounds on the older knives because there is lap-over on years, but I always refer to this model as a 1973 5th/3rd.
 
"I'm with you on this Plumberdv.

Joe's data sheet is what I always go by. I usually try to hit the middle grounds on the older knives because there is lap-over on years, but I always refer to this model as a 1973 5th/3rd." - Stumps


I'm not trying to start an argument, especially since dates for the early 110s are in a murky area. My guess of dates is based on a couple of things: 1) Joe gives 1972-1974 for Variation 3; 2) George Stinzel gives 1974; and Bill Keys says that the sintered brass frame started in early 1975. The first sintered brass knives had a "Buck/110/USA" stamp and a lockbar the same length as for the 5th Version Variation 3; the early knives of this type used adhesive on the scales, but after mid-1975 Buck quit using adhesive to hold the scales. (I have one of each.)

Considering all of the above, I'm inclined to believe that the 5th Version 3rd Variation was first produced in 1974, perhaps in late 1973, and that it was replaced by the sintered frame knives in early 1975. Maybe we should think of the first sintered frames as Transition knives between the 5th Version and the Two-Dots. I can't see the Two-Dots occurring before late 1975 or early 1976.

I'm willing to change my mind if someone has some good information to the contrary. This is what makes collecting the early 110s fun. The main point might be that we shouldn't be too categorical in assigning dates.

Bert
 
I'm in favor of Bert's last sentence. 1)Bill Keys has stated the 2dots began in 75 w/ the first having 4 handle pins. I've seen one of these. 2) George Stinzel stated in his presenation at the 20yr. Reunion, the 2 dots ran from 76-80 (well into 80). 3) Larry O. says the use of the blade bushing came w/ the two dots in 1974. So, the author you read will determine your stance. We should lighten up on this era. The 3 dots we're more sure about. This information does affect dating Van's model some. DM
 
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bertl said:
"I'm with you on this Plumberdv.

Joe's data sheet is what I always go by. I usually try to hit the middle grounds on the older knives because there is lap-over on years, but I always refer to this model as a 1973 5th/3rd." - Stumps


I'm not trying to start an argument, especially since dates for the early 110s are in a murky area. My guess of dates is based on a couple of things: 1) Joe gives 1972-1974 for Variation 3; 2) George Stinzel gives 1974; and Bill Keys says that the sintered brass frame started in early 1975. The first sintered brass knives had a "Buck/110/USA" stamp and a lockbar the same length as for the 5th Version Variation 3; the early knives of this type used adhesive on the scales, but after mid-1975 Buck quit using adhesive to hold the scales. (I have one of each.)

Considering all of the above, I'm inclined to believe that the 5th Version 3rd Variation was first produced in 1974, perhaps in late 1973, and that it was replaced by the sintered frame knives in early 1975. Maybe we should think of the first sintered frames as Transition knives between the 5th Version and the Two-Dots. I can't see the Two-Dots occurring before late 1975 or early 1976.

I'm willing to change my mind if someone has some good information to the contrary. This is what makes collecting the early 110s fun. The main point might be that we shouldn't be too categorical in assigning dates.

Bert
Click to expand...

Not a problem....you are just more analytical than I am. :)

I try for a middle ground guess. Joe's data works for me.

Heck....it's all a guessing game anyway. One of the 2011 web special 105's I got has a 2008 stamp, while the other two have a 2011 stamp. They all have 2011 boxes.
 
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bertl said:
"I'm with you on this Plumberdv.

Joe's data sheet is what I always go by. I usually try to hit the middle grounds on the older knives because there is lap-over on years, but I always refer to this model as a 1973 5th/3rd." - Stumps


I'm not trying to start an argument, especially since dates for the early 110s are in a murky area. My guess of dates is based on a couple of things: 1) Joe gives 1972-1974 for Variation 3; 2) George Stinzel gives 1974; and Bill Keys says that the sintered brass frame started in early 1975. The first sintered brass knives had a "Buck/110/USA" stamp and a lockbar the same length as for the 5th Version Variation 3; the early knives of this type used adhesive on the scales, but after mid-1975 Buck quit using adhesive to hold the scales. (I have one of each.)

Considering all of the above, I'm inclined to believe that the 5th Version 3rd Variation was first produced in 1974, perhaps in late 1973, and that it was replaced by the sintered frame knives in early 1975. Maybe we should think of the first sintered frames as Transition knives between the 5th Version and the Two-Dots. I can't see the Two-Dots occurring before late 1975 or early 1976.

I'm willing to change my mind if someone has some good information to the contrary. This is what makes collecting the early 110s fun. The main point might be that we shouldn't be too categorical in assigning dates.

Bert
Click to expand...

Same with me and I'm not arguing about it either. Until then, I'll stick with Joe's published data. I don't see any point in confusing the OP with "could be's", "maybe's" and possibly's".

We know that his knife falls into the '72-'74 period for sure. If what you quote is true, it may have been into '75 but we know for sure it could have been from '72-'74. If the published data can't be used, it should be revised or deleted. JMO
 
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Ok, I think we do need a base line to follow. So, if it needs revising then do it. Or put an asterisk reflecting additional legitmate data. DM
 
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