491L ? help with ID please

[rprocter]

i consider myself an "equal opportunity collector". love 'em all, recent & old, used and mintish. for some reason i can't explain, i really like this one. note the aftermarket sheath modification !

blade length is 4 7/16" (tipped)
all i can discern on tang is: SCHRADE/U.S.A. ???. i think it is a 491L. right ?
the pommel has the anvil stamp signifying "benchmade" and the 2nd stamp looks like a shield. if so, that would make this a 1973 according to a Mr. Codger tome. but that was then, more may be known now ?
how common were finger groove models ? (i like finger grooves !)
and i can't quite make out the sheath tooling: 49er with scrolling underneath ?
i'll appreciate all help with this beauty.
thanks, roland

 

[orvet]

Roland,
I think you are right, it appears to be a 491L.
It appears to me that the sheath is a 49er as well.
I thimk it is the correct sheath too.

Here is a copy from the 1973 Shortline, showing the 49er line.

Hope it helps.

Dale

 

[ea42]

Roland, that one's from the 49er series, here's a link to a 1975 catalog on Larry's site. This particular catalog seems to have the best pics and info. Scroll down to pages 8 and 9.


http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/Catalogs/images/1975-CATS.pdf

Eric

PS- Ooops! Sorry Dale, looks like we were posting at the same time

 

[rprocter]

thanks guys. i did not know that all the 49ers had finger grove handles.
i'm going to tune this one up and get it back into active duty. Canada needs more 'active duty' USA Schrades ! the leather handle is dried out. what's the best treatment ? i have used Neatsfoot oil but i think it softens the leather too much.
roland