(repost) If you are BCCI member, Joe Houser did a good review of the 106 in the March 04 Newsletter
Here is a brief summary, keep in mind that changes don't happen on January 1st so there are year overlaps.
Corrections welcomed.
1965 -1967 1-line phenolic handle, bone hard fiber spacers "HUNTERS AXE"
The earliest are chrome plated
1967 2-line (USA added)
1969 spacers change to micarta
Your axe falls here... 1970 +/-
1971 black micarta handle, earliest are rare full wrap around with hidden tang
1972 3-line (model number added)
about 1972-1973 some burgundy micarta was used
1983 handle changes to resin impregnated birch
1986 date codes begin
1993 last year in catalog..(for awhile)
1997-1998 reintroduced "CAMPERS AXE" 2" longer, birch handle
1999 black kydex handle, hang hole cutout
2000 black kydex handle, deer head cutout
2001 oak finish handle, deer head cutout (discontinued again until the Compadre version)
2-lines are generally considered consistent with an early 1972 or prior date. There are alot of changes going on with this model between 1969 and 1972 and with a low volume selling model such as the 106 and with midyear changes and new/old stock moving around the plant at the same time I expect we would see every combination/variation with no sharp delineation. /Roger
