Identifying this KA-BAR

[Tanker 1/66]

So I took a chance on this beautiful blade. I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to KA-BARs But I knew this one was different. And I am trying to expand my knowledge base.
The markings on the blade might look like file work but I don't believe they are. They were pressed or hammered in to the blade. At first I thought that it was homemade job but then I realized that the Ka-Bar was stamped after the marking was made. You can clearly see the letters inside the grooves, Which would make it factory. And it was polished to mirror finish. I've done alot of research and I've come up with nothing much except some version of a 1226. Help! !!!

 

[Tanker 1/66]

These are the pictures from the listing. But I have this in my possession now if anyone has a question.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

I have a few of those blades, a couple of different models. I can't find the file that I logged what they were called in, but gunsil will be along sometime to enlighten us and jog my memory.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Thanks zzy atleast it is a legit Ka-Bar I was getting worried that it was some knockoff. It didn't have a sheath so im hoping that it was just a generic Ka-Bar sheath Which will be much easier to locate.

 

[gunsil]

I don't have a catalog that shows the specific knife, but I specialize in earlier knives. The mark would indicate 50s-60s before Cole National took over and began using model numbers on the blades circa 1966-68. My guess would be mid 50s. Can you show a pic of the back of the pommel? Does the pommel have a lead plug or is it pinned on?

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I don't have a catalog that shows the specific knife, but I specialize in earlier knives. The mark would indicate 50s-60s before Cole National took over and began using model numbers on the blades circa 1966-68. My guess would be mid 50s. Can you show a pic of the back of the pommel? Does the pommel have a lead plug or is it pinned on?

I just got back from Bannermans island on the Hudson so I'm a little beat up from the drive. I will post some pics as soon as I get a chance. Thank you for your response. I'm looking at it now and for the life of me I cannot find a pin or a plug. If there is a pin its been blended quite well. I can tellmyou that the pommel is shaped like a iron.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I don't have a catalog that shows the specific knife, but I specialize in earlier knives. The mark would indicate 50s-60s before Cole National took over and began using model numbers on the blades circa 1966-68. My guess would be mid 50s. Can you show a pic of the back of the pommel? Does the pommel have a lead plug or is it pinned on?

I took some pictures of the pommel.

 

[gunsil]

I have been to Bannerman's many times before the "preservation society" took over. Did you go on the official tour, or go by private vessel? I live a bit down river from there, where are you from Tanker? I agree your pics are inconclusive, except that there is no lead plug which is found on some late 40s-early 50s knives. I still think mid 50s for a date on the knife. The triangular pommel was first used by Union Cut in the mid 30s on some knives, but the early ones will have the brass pommel nut. I found a lot of cool stuff on the island when it still belonged to the Taconic Park system, found cannon shells out in the river. The main castle was burned out when I was there in the early 70s, but there was a lot more standing back then. Used to camp out there sometimes, it was a very cool place to hang out. I went on the tour last year and was disappointed that they didn't allow people to go to much of the island, but I hear you can go up on the bluff now.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I have been to Bannerman's many times before the "preservation society" took over. Did you go on the official tour, or go by private vessel? I live a bit down river from there, where are you from Tanker? I agree your Newburgh–Beacon Bridgeics are inconclusive, except that there is no lead plug which is found on some late 40s-early 50s knives. I still think mid 50s for a date on the knife. The triangular pommel was first used by Union Cut in the mid 30s on some knives, but the early ones will have the brass pommel nut. I found a lot of cool stuff on the island when it still belonged to the Taconic Park system, found cannon shells out in the river. The main castle was burned out when I was there in the early 70s, but there was a lot more standing back then. Used to camp out there sometimes, it was a very cool place to hang out. I went on the tour last year and was disappointed that they didn't allow people to go to much of the island, but I hear you can go up on the bluff now.

I was visiting with my wifes family. They live in Florida,NY. There boat is docked at Cornwall-On-The Hudson Her sister is Commodore of the Marina. From the dock you can look right at Bannermans. We sailed down to West Point and Bear Mountain bridge then back up to Newburgh-Beacon bridge stopped and had some BBQ. Great time for sure. Going back up over the 4th of July to tour the island. Also going to do a 12 mile hike on Breakneck Ridge. Can't wait its going to be picture heavy thread when I get back.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

I have been to Bannerman's many times before the "preservation society" took over. Did you go on the official tour, or go by private vessel? I live a bit down river from there, where are you from Tanker? I agree your pics are inconclusive, except that there is no lead plug which is found on some late 40s-early 50s knives. I still think mid 50s for a date on the knife. The triangular pommel was first used by Union Cut in the mid 30s on some knives, but the early ones will have the brass pommel nut. I found a lot of cool stuff on the island when it still belonged to the Taconic Park system, found cannon shells out in the river. The main castle was burned out when I was there in the early 70s, but there was a lot more standing back then. Used to camp out there sometimes, it was a very cool place to hang out. I went on the tour last year and was disappointed that they didn't allow people to go to much of the island, but I hear you can go up on the bluff now.

Thanks for the info gunsil much appreciated. I'm actually from Florida the state lol. But my wife is from Longisland well actually Goshen. But she grew up on the island. I moved up to NY about 10 years ago. Hate the island but love it upstate. Do some hunting at Tughill snd Roscoe area every year Grouse and Woodcock. But mostly hunt Pheasants on the east end of the island. Nothing but farms and woods out here.

 

[gunsil]

The hike along Breakneck ridge is a good one. I also recommend going up on the other side of the river on Storm King mountain. Sadly at 70 I am having a hip problem that prevents me from such strenuous hikes that I used to do. Have fun on the Bannerman's tour, it is quite interesting although they won't let folks go near the old arsenal castle due to danger of collapse. Like I said I hear they have cleared a lot more off then a year or two ago and you can now go more places than I could on the tour. The island was crawling with poison ivy which I was naturally immune to on my 70-80s trips out there. Used to launch an inflatable Kayak along the RR tracks on the east bank and paddle out. They have done a great job cleaning up the old gardens and paths and doing some restoration on the residence, but I doubt they will ever really stabilize the ruins of the arsenal.

 

[Tanker 1/66]

Thanks gunsil for your insight. After we docked at the marina I jumped on a jet ski and took a closer look at the island. Its really cleared off and the old castle has stabilizers holding up the walls. It looks like a restoration is in progress. I hope so. It's a beautiful castle. I went up to West Hurley NY to Gun parts Corp. Numrich arms. I believe they bought the inventory from Bannermans.There is some static display cannons around Numrich. But I needed a cylinder pin for an old H&R LOL. On my way to camp at the Devils Tombstone. I didnt care for the road running thru the camp so I moved down to Woodland valley. Much more remote.