Help with age of this one?

Plumberdv

Plumberdv

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
8,160
I just received this older 501 and would like to know how I can tell it's age. There's no symbol on the tang like my newer one has.

Old501Tangstamp.jpg


Old501.jpg


This one is about 1/16" narrower though the body than the new one and has dark (almost black) wood scales.
Thanks
 
Plumb, That model came out in 1979 w/ an exposed rocker pin. Then in 1980 was changed to 2 scale pins. Welcome. DM
 
Thanks DM, but I'm about to show my ignorance. What is a rocker pin? Since this one has two scale pins, that means mine was made in '80 or later?

Thanks
 
Plumberdv said:
Thanks DM, but I'm about to show my ignorance. What is a rocker pin?
Click to expand...

When you press the lock on your knife, to unlock it, you will see the backspring go down on the lock end, and up at the base of the blade.

In the middle (not visible on your model), is a pin that it is "rocking" on.

If you look on this picture of a Buck 110, you will see to small brass pins that hold the scales on, like the pins you see on your knife.

The large steel pin in the top middle of the handle is the rocker pin.

5thVersion72-74-.jpg
 
Bear, Thank you for taking the time to explain that.
BUT, dang--what a nice 1972 one ten. Its like new! The colors in the ebony I really like. Thanks. Its a safe queen, right?DM
 
Plumberdv said:
Thanks DM, but I'm about to show my ignorance. What is a rocker pin? Since this one has two scale pins, that means mine was made in '80 or later?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Plumb, Correct, which are not so easy to come by. Espically in good like that one. Where did you get it? DM
 
David Martin said:
Bear, Thank you for taking the time to explain that.
BUT, dang--what a nice 1972 one ten. Its like new! The colors in the ebony I really like. Thanks. Its a safe queen, right?DM
Click to expand...

Yeah, I want to carry it so bad I can't stand it, but it's still in the original box with all papers and sheath.

I just can't bring myself to do it, so I occasionally watch for another one that's not mint.
 
Thanks Bear Claw for the explanation. I appreciate it.

DM, I picked it up along with a new 309 from the same seller on Ebay.
 
>I purchased this 501 new in 1975 or 1976... the scales are micarta.<

Wow, that looks identical to mine. If that was from '75 or '76, did they go from no exposed rocker pins (yours), to an exposed rocker pin, then back to no exposed rocker pin (mine) as DM said?

The closer I look at mine the more I'm sure the scales aren't wood but something else, a synthetic.
 
Plumberdv said:
>I purchased this 501 new in 1975 or 1976... the scales are micarta.<

Wow, that looks identical to mine. If that was from '75 or '76, did they go from no exposed rocker pins (yours), to an exposed rocker pin, then back to no exposed rocker pin (mine) as DM said?

The closer I look at mine the more I'm sure the scales aren't wood but something else, a synthetic.
Click to expand...

I have no idea when they switched... just that yours may be a bit older than '79. I believe the correct term for the scales is linen micarta... if you look at the scales in the right light, it appears to be a linen texture.

Here's another pic which shows the 501 relative to a 112 and a 1990 vintage 110FG (one my favorates).

501-Trio.jpg


Woody
 
> if you look at the scales in the right light, it appears to be a linen texture.<

Yes, that's exactly what I see.

Thanks
 
This knife was first blueprinted in Dec. of 1973. The first protype was in July of 1974. First shipped in Feb. of 1975 with micarta scales and exposed rocker rivet. It is belived to have been made that way until mid to late 1976. At that time the rocker rivet was no longer exposed. It was made with micarta until the end of 1980.
 
SHAZAM said:
This knife was first blueprinted in Dec. of 1973. The first protype was in July of 1974. First shipped in Feb. of 1975 with micarta scales and exposed rocker rivet. It is belived to have been made that way until mid to late 1976. At that time the rocker rivet was no longer exposed. It was made with micarta until the end of 1980.
Click to expand...

Interesting history -- thank you!
 
For your information, here is a picture of the early exposed rocker Esquire 501. Pic doesn't looke like it is mint---but it is.




Telechronos:):):)
 
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