Five Presidents Scrimshaw Set ?

[bernard_levine]

I thought I had a pretty complete list of Schrade Scrimshaw knives
and sets, but I just received these photos of a set I have not seen
before. All 5 knives have SC pattern numbers, but I have a sneaking
suspicion that this set might actually be an after-market creation,
rather than a factory product.

The handle art depicts five popular US presidents, the four on Mount
Rushmore -- Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and T. Roosevelt -- plus
Andrew Jackson. The blade etch on each knife corresponds to the
image on the handle.

All knives are numbered on the bolster: 896 or 0896.

The Washington knife appears to have white Delrin handles, typical
of Schrade scrimshaw. But the other four have handles with the
distinctive grain typical of Micarta. Micarta cannot be molded or
heat stamped the way Delrin can, and examination of the closeups
suggests that these knives were scrimshawed individually by hand, not
heat stamped like the regular scrimshaw series were.

I have not seen the knives in person, so I cannot be sure if they were
really hand engraved.

The blade etchings appear to have been done with a Marking Methods
machine. They look professionally done, but they do not look like the
usual Schrade factory etch.

So... my question is: WHUT IZZIT? What is this set?

Thanks for any info.

BRL...

George Washington (Delrin handles?)

 

[redshanks]

Bernard, I found this reference:

American Express Presidential Scrimshaw Collection

 

[lt632ret]

In 1984 American Express in cooperation with Schrade Cutlery and the American Historical Foundation produced and distributed a series of individually scrimshawed knives honoring some of our greatest Presidents: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Andrew Jackson. The knives were sold through American Express 6,000 sets were produced. Purchase included a certificate of ownership from Henry B Baer, Carbon steel, The first knife was the Washington with subsequent knives sent at 4 month intervals. ( Information from the flyer that came with the set and The Standard Knife Collector's guide Richie and Stewart.) LT PS Micarta handles individually scrimed, Maple wood display case with cherry wood finish. ( included ) Brass or nickle bolsters and rivets. Series numbered . No method of etching mentioned. PPS please advise if other specific info needed. I hope this helps.

 

[Giorgianni]

This presidential series was produced by Schrade. The artwork was not however done by the artist of the time Frank Giorgianni. The artwork was outsourced, however, all of the knives that were faint or poor quality were hand touched up by Frank Giorgianni. Hope this was helpful.
Tom

 

[lt632ret]

Hi Tom say hello to dad for me. LT

 

[bernard_levine]

Outstanding info! Thanks LT and FG.

Could you estimate the current value of the five knives? The owner also has the box, but it is damaged. Or have you seen any sets for sale or sold recently?

THANKX!

BRL...

 

[lt632ret]

A realistic figure on a set in unused condition would be between 350 and 500 .
I have seen them go higher but very seldom lower than 350. As I know you are aware the extent of the damage is mitigating. LT

 

[bernard_levine]

THANKS!

Brl...

 

[waliguy]

Now those are very cool!

 

[redshanks]

Here's where the info went:

Schrade Presidential Schrimshaw Set

 

[Codger_64]

So..... does LT get a cut on the I.D. and appraisal fee?

 

[orvet]

I think the reason BRL is so good at what he does is that he knows when he doesn't have knowledge the he needs to answer a question, he goes to the person who has the expertise in that field. In this case LT!
Why are we not surprised that LT had the answer........because if it is Schrade.......LT KNOWS

Seriously Lt, it is great to have a living resource such as yourself that we can email, call whatever, for the answers.....for free. Maybe you should charge like BRL does. You are THE MAN when it comes to early Schrade knives! Knowledge is valuable and you have lots of knowledge about knives.

Thanks for being such a valuable part of this forum and a friend to us all.

Dale

 

[redshanks]

I think Bernie and LT have known each other for some time. I remember reading Bernard's column in a 2003 issue of Knife World where he acknowledged Richard Langston for his help with identifying a knife.