Case Hobo... then & now...?

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Has not been as easy as I thought it would be to find info on case hobos. My questions... Can someone post the differences (pics would really help) of the three variations and the years they were introduced and discontinued (51 and 52)... and how the modern Case #54HB differs from those two originals. Thanks

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

The collecting guide* I refer to lists the "6251CLASP Knife & Fork" pattern (6-3/4"; apparently very big knife) in green bone, in the 'Tested' era (pre-1940). Also listed is a 9251 pattern in 'Imitation Pearl', in the same time frame (pre-1940).

There's also a smaller 6252 "Hobo - Knife & Fork Combination" pattern (3-3/4") in green bone, and a 3252 in 'composition ivory'; same config and same time frame.

There's no listing or mention of these patterns anytime past the pre-1940 'Tested' era.

As compared to the current '54HB pattern Hobo, size seems to be the most obvious difference. Looks like the current version is 'in between' the larger and smaller older versions, at 4-1/4" in size (closed).

* = The 'Official Price Guide to Collector Knives', Fourteenth Edition, by C. Houston Price (2004)


David

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Thank you

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Having recently purchased a current version of Case' Hobo pattern knife, I have been digging around for some more info. In that process, I ran into this thread I started months ago. I've decided to revive it to add some pics I have found online of some different Case pattern Hobo knives they have offered since the start of the 1900's.

This first one is a pattern 51...

Pattern 52...

And the modern 54 (which has been made in knife/fork versions & knife/fork/spoon versions)...

The 54 pattern designation is used by Case for their basic trapper, and in fact the above 54HB is based on a modified trapper frame.

 

[SAK Guy]

I really want one of these in 2014!!!!

Thanks for the info and pics Jimmy!!!! :thumbup:

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

I really want one of these in 2014!!!!

Thanks for the info and pics Jimmy!!!! :thumbup:

Looking forward to seeing pics of yours when you do get one
Now that I own one, I now realize how many folks never seen one broken down. Once one shows them the process and how it looks all apart, they tend to say words like... wow!, cool!, neat!... they simply being amazed and/or surprised. It puts smiles on peoples faces! So, I got to give it the top rating for being the most facinating knife in my collection. Love this thing, and I am really glad I finally got one

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

My recent facination and attraction to this pattern, got me to looking at many pics of other's Case Hobo knives online. One picture had me thinking to myself... "Wow, would love to own that one!". It was a picture of a vintage Case pattern 51 hobo done up in mother of pearl handles and was in totally mint condition. In a recent thread on these boards, a member asked other members what their holy grail of knives were, I think I have found mine! I would love to own such a beautiful and rare piece (though I don't think I could afford it!)...