case xx usa knife identification

Thank You very much for the info - I found this info on an old ebay ad - would this be correct? again thanks for your time.

Mark

"This is a Case XX USA 1960s SECOND CUT STAG 5 FINN. Approximatley 7 7/8 inches long with original sheath. Front tang stamp is CASE XX USA and back tang is blank with NO pattern number. This is a transition Case knife because there is no pattern number like the older Case ones. Every second cut stag knife I've seen does not have a pattern stamp which dates this knife to the early 1960's or so. The second cut stag 5 finn is very hard to find. "
 
The tang stamp ('CASE XX' over 'U.S.A.', and no 'dots') was used on Case fixed blades from 1965 - 1980 (according to Case's reference, linked below). The 'U.S.A.' mark was not used on Case knives prior to 1965. Case folding knives featured the same stamp only from 1965 - 1969.

http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/tang_stamps/

Not sure about the lack of pattern stamp, as an indication of vintage. Many Case fixed blades don't show a pattern stamp anyway, as the folders usually do.

Edit: According to one guide I'm looking at (cited below), this tang stamp may be seen on knives made as late as 1988. Your knife appears to be the saber blade in chromed carbon steel (4-1/4"). With the stag handles, my guide shows this as being available from 1965 - 1987, with the tang stamp seen in your photo.

Source: Official Price Guide to Collector Knives, Fourteenth Edition, by C. Houston Price (2004); p. 170
 
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My information states that the 5Finn was first listed in a catalog in 1938. It was discontinued between Jan 02, 1970 and Jan. 01, 1971. I think in 1965 they were required by law to add the U.S.A. stamp. My source is " American Premium Guide to Knives and
Razors", the 7th edition pages 338-344.
 
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