Case XX Congress

mwhich50

mwhich50

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
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I'm cleaning up a knife for a neighbor. It was given to him by his late father. I am not a "traditional' collector, but I am trying to give him some information about the knife, as well.
So far, I know that it is Case XX, six dot, a large, or "jumbo", four-bladed Congress. The scales appear to be red (?) bone with carbon steel blades.
I am not sure if it is from the sixties. I think it was a very common configuration, when they were being made. Due to it's condition I don't think it is very collectable, or valuable.
I am cleaning it up, and removing the rust, but I am not sure if I should remove the patina. I don't want to buff it with my dremel because I think it may leave obvious marks.
Any additional information would be appreciated. Thanks.20211229_013951.jpg20211229_014111.jpg20211229_013957.jpg
 
Case started using the dot system in 1970 ... starting with 10 dots and taking one dot away each subsequent year. So, 6 dots would make that knife a 1974 model.
In 1980, the dots started over with 10 dots. Since the dots are the same for the 70's and 80's, look to the shape of the "S" in Case and USA to differentiate 70's from 80's.
The 80's knives had a "lightening S" which your knife pictured does not. Therefore, yours is from the 70's.
Link to Case Tang Stamps

The pictures do not clearly show the Case model number, but I see on a piece of paper that 6488 is written. That is the correct number for a Case XX Large Congress, which you have pictured.

Personally, I wouldn't do much more to it than flush (WD40, Break Free CLP etc) and lightly oil the joints, sharpen, use and enjoy. Might rub a little mineral oil into the covers and lightly coat the blades, but I wouldn't mess with the patina.

By forum rules, we can't discuss value or worth but don't underestimate how collectable it might be to someone. Doesn't appear to have been hard used or abused either. Very nice example !!! :)
OH ... and the area in the pile side cover that may look like a chip or divot or something ... is there by design, allowing easy access to the pen blade nail nick.
And I think the same cutout appears on the mark side cover for easy access to the coping blade nail nick.
 
Last edited:
BrotherJim said:
Case started using the dot system in 1970 ... starting with 10 dots and taking one dot away each subsequent year. So, 6 dots would make that knife a 1974 model.
In 1980, the dots started over with 10 dots. Since the dots are the same for the 70's and 80's, look to the shape of the "S" in Case and USA to differentiate 70's from 80's.
The 80's knives had a "lightening S" which your knife pictured does not. Therefore, yours is from the 70's.
Link to Case Tang Stamps

The pictures do not clearly show the Case model number, but I see on a piece of paper that 6488 is written. That is the correct number for a Case XX Large Congress, which you have pictured.

Personally, I wouldn't do much more to it than flush (WD40, Break Free CLP etc) and lightly oil the joints, sharpen, use and enjoy. Might rub a little mineral oil into the covers and lightly coat the blades, but I wouldn't mess with the patina.

By forum rules, we can't discuss value or worth but don't underestimate how collectable it might be to someone. Doesn't appear to have been hard used or abused either. Very nice example !!! :)
OH ... and the area in the pile side cover that may look like a chip or divot or something ... is there by design, allowing easy access to the pen blade nail nick.
And I think the same cutout appears on the mark side cover for easy access to the coping blade nail nick.
Click to expand...
The 6488 was not visable in the picture due to the patina, so I left it out.
I really appreciate the information!
 
Here's my Case 6488, mint, 8-dot (1972 manufacture) and a bit of info.

Case 6488 Congress 1 .jpg
Case 6488 Congress 2 .jpg
Case 6488 Congress 3 .jpg

Above is a CV 4 1/8" Case 6488 Congress. The year of manufacture for this knife is 1972 (8-dot). As seen in the above pictures, this knife has four different style blades (large sheepfoot, large spear, small coping, small pen). All four blades have half stops. It is interesting (to me anyway) that Case treats both the large Sheepfoot blade and the large Spear blade as master blades. Note that both blades have the same "Case Tang Stamp" on each blade. The bolsters are nickle-silver, the liners are brass, and the shield is pinned. Also, note that Case was still cutting a scallop in the frame and cover (both sides on this knife) for easier access to the nail nick for the two small blades when this knife was made.
 
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