how to tell new from old?

[matt1987]

If I'm not mistaken, the old USA old timers always had nickel silver bolsters and shields, and the new china made ones have gold colored(brass I assume).

 

[Bob W]

If I'm not mistaken, the old USA old timers always had nickel silver bolsters and shields, and the new china made ones have gold colored(brass I assume).

Some of the original Old Timer models had brass too, like the 6OT and 7OT lockbacks. And sterling silver was often used on the limited edition knives.
From the photos at the Taylor website, it looks as if they're using a combination of brass and 'silver' as well depending on the model.
http://www.taylorbrandsllc.com/Cat_Results.php?s_Item_Num=&s_Item_Desc=old+timer&Cat=1

Here are a few original Old Timer knives from my collection that have brass bolsters:

And here's a set with sterling silver bolsters and shields: