Photos Can’t find this pommel on 225Q Cattaraugus ?

[FloridaSon]

Pretty typical looking, no history available. Sheath is OK, the pommel is non standard. The two nail holes are under under one of the crosses on the end of the pommel.

Or is it a early build, or a bad restore?

Appreciate your comments.

https://imgur.com/d7JuwWi

https://imgur.com/ifEBY55

https://imgur.com/a/Cj1slhY

https://imgur.com/hVKBRqk

 

[tltt]

It's a "make it work". The 225Q should always be the 3 piece nailed in checkered version, like seen in this refurb - https://fitzwillies.com/pages/abner...ebuilding-a-leather-handled-cattaraugus-225q/ .

Also just in case anyone stumbles on this, the handle should always have that rough patch in the middle on a Cattaraugus version. Lot of folks think it's damage, but it was suppose to be there.

 

[scdub]

Is the handle tight? If so I’d suggest letting it ride. I don’t think those brown, non-leather spacers are stock either (maybe different version tho) so unless you want to do a full restoration I’d just leave it as is - interesting modification and potentially soldier/field made? …or make it a “retro-mod” Maybe a little scrubbing with some oil/soaking in some vinegar…
I “restored” one for my son awhile back using hot distilled vinegar…

 

[FloridaSon]

It's a "make it work". The 225Q should always be the 3 piece nailed in checkered version, like seen in this refurb - https://fitzwillies.com/pages/abner...ebuilding-a-leather-handled-cattaraugus-225q/ .

Also just in case anyone stumbles on this, the handle should always have that rough patch in the middle on a Cattaraugus version. Lot of folks think it's damage, but it was suppose to be there.

Thanks that makes sense . Was the rough patch done for better grip?

 

[FloridaSon]

Is the handle tight? If so I’d suggest letting it ride. I don’t think those brown, non-leather spacers are stock either (maybe different version tho) so unless you want to do a full restoration I’d just leave it as is - interesting modification and potentially soldier/field made? …or make it a “retro-mod” Maybe a little scrubbing with some oil/soaking in some vinegar…
I “restored” one for my son awhile back using hot distilled vinegar…
View attachment 1711456

The handle is tight but I can wiggle the cross piece some. Re oil/vinegar. I’ll do that. Soak in oil first then scrub with hot distilled vinegar? Thanks

Your restoration came out great.

 

[scdub]

The handle is tight but I can wiggle the cross piece some. Re oil/vinegar. I’ll do that. Soak in oil first then scrub with hot distilled vinegar? Thanks

Your restoration came out great.

Yeah I’d probably start with the hot vinegar - yoiu can dip the whole blade and front guard in and it’ll eat away rust and leave a gray finish. Same for the pommel, but I’d try to avoid getting vinegar into/under the leather.

Then I’d let the leather soak up some neatsfoot oil and scrub the handle a bit with a soft toothbrush and rags to clean it up. A little leather preservative and you’re all set.

You can also try a shim/spike etc to tighten up the handle without disassembly.

Good luck and post pics if you can!

 

[FloridaSon]

Great - will do.Thx

 

[tltt]

Thanks that makes sense . Was the rough patch done for better grip?

I think so, although I've never seen an official explanation of it. There were smoother versions available a little bit, but these are thought to be late / post war models, done for sale on the civilian market.

Old civilian ad - https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/uploads/monthly_05_2016/post-66-0-50435500-1464007551.jpg .

 

[scdub]

Thanks that makes sense . Was the rough patch done for better grip?

I’ve heard that the grooves in the grips came from the way these were packaged. Supposedly they were wired onto the outsides of shipping boxes so soldiers would have a tool available to open the box with. No idea if that’s true or not…

 

[FloridaSon]

Took it apart, soaked the blade in vinegar for too long. Now bringing back a little silver color. Left the leather alone. I see what you mean about the non leather end pieces, not being black.
Cleaned up the scabbard a little.

Will post a final version.

https://imgur.com/5QT3zB8

https://imgur.com/mgfHux5

https://imgur.com/xs5EEMa

 

[lambertiana]

I’ve heard that the grooves in the grips came from the way these were packaged. Supposedly they were wired onto the outsides of shipping boxes so soldiers would have a tool available to open the box with. No idea if that’s true or not…

I'm pretty sure this is an urban myth. It would have been a lot cheaper to supply a crowbar with crates, and crowbars are much better tools for the job.

 

[scdub]

I'm pretty sure this is an urban myth. It would have been a lot cheaper to supply a crowbar with crates, and crowbars are much better tools for the job.

You might be right, and it’s certainly true that crowbars would be cheaper and work better, however the military has done FAR dumber things than wire knives to boxes, so it’s in the realm of possibility for me at least…

 

[FloridaSon]

Not perfect but I am happy with it. Looked up a couple videos from a custom blade guy on this site and worked about 12 hours, a good workout. Had I not toasted it with vinegar I would have left it alone. Thanks for all your help everyone!

https://imgur.com/dzIMr6G

Same knife, one is farther away.

https://imgur.com/a/UBdl4dI