Early (1981?) Nickel Silver Bear Paw Family Gift Set (LB1, LB5, LB7)

D

Dave Thinkstoomuch

BANNED
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
1,196
Here's a minty gift set of matching serialized Bear Paw Family lockbacks. My guess is that these came out in 1981 to introduce the LB1 "Cub" and LB5 "Smokey" but I haven't confirmed this.

Nice fake leather box contains 2 sheaths and the three knives. Mine are all serialized # 4960 so it seems at least 5000 sets were made. White protective cardboard box sleeve stamped "4960" as well. Considering how many of these sets were made I don't see them all that often. I think a lot of these sets got broken up to sell individually or to use over the years. Enjoy!

01.jpg


03.jpg


04.jpg


05.jpg


06.jpg


07.jpg
 
Nice set, Dave! And complete to boot! That's always a bonus. And I agree, you don't see the complete set come up often. Nice grab!
 
that is a cool display and bling you have for sure.
not being picky but wonder why they didn't include the LB 3? that would have been the whole lockback set.
 
A very nice looking set. To have the knives, paperwork and box is a real deal. Real nice and thanks for the pictures.
 
delmas2nd said:
that is a cool display and bling you have for sure.
not being picky but wonder why they didn't include the LB 3? that would have been the whole lockback set.
Click to expand...

I've wondered that myself. Especially since the LB3 is my favorite Schrade knife of all. But if Dave's theory is right, it didn't come out till the next year.
 
yep, in looking at the price lists the LB 3 did not come out til 1982 and was listed as "new"
 
delmas2nd said:
that is a cool display and bling you have for sure.
not being picky but wonder why they didn't include the LB 3? that would have been the whole lockback set.
Click to expand...

DaveT63 said:
I've wondered that myself. Especially since the LB3 is my favorite Schrade knife of all. But if Dave's theory is right, it didn't come out till the next year.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments! There are four reasons I'm thinking 1981 and you guys just nailed one of them. This likely was the whole lockback set when it was offered is my working theory. I'm thinking 1981 because:

1.That's the first year (and only year) back then when LB1 and LB5 available but no LB3 yet.

2. Black sheaths are very possible for 1981.

3. The back of the loss registration forms all have an ad for the LB1 on them that says "Look for the Cub lockback Uncle Henry's Littlest Bear Paw!" which kinda sounds like the Cub was a new offering when these sets were made.

4. Box is very similar to Dixie Collection etc boxes from 1980 but no LB1 or LB5 in 1980 so it has to be after that but not too far after.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top