Is this a real Queen?

[JimMLa]

I am wondering if this is a real Queen knife. The "Q" with the crown looks a little different. These were the best pictures I could take. Scales have shrunk and split. "Mountain Man Stainless" on blade. The number "78" is next to the "Q" with crown.

 

[waynorth]

It is impossible to comment without seeing better pictures of the tang (have you tried a flat-bed scanner?), however, I do know that Queen at one time used a synthetic (celluloid?) horn for handles. They made these jacks for the Queen show a few years ago out of leftovers they found in their storerooms.

The comparison is obvious; same stuff!
If your handles are shrunk and split, I'd get it rehandled A.S.A.P. as the celluloid deterioration process gives off corrosive fumes!!!

 

[knowtracks]

As I'm sure you know, Queen has used quite a few different tang stamps over the years. Starting in 1976 thru 1983 the tang stamp had the Q with a crown and a "tail" that went under the year `78 in your case. The year is to the right of the Q.

Hope this helps,
Dave

 

[JD Mandrell]

It is a Queen Mountain Man from the 70's, I've seen one other one with those handles and that blade etch.

 

[waynorth]

That knife must be pretty rare; it's the first one I've ever seen! Has anyone else seen one before, or several??

 

[JimMLa]

Thanks for all the help. I hate to change the handles because they were somewhat different, but I must.
Also, I discovered the macro button on the camera.

 

[waynorth]

How bad are the handles?? Are they "darkening" any nearby knives??

 

[JimMLa]

There were no other knives by it. The pins catch my skin.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Well, if it's any indication, that's exactly the same tang stamp I have on a weird '78 Queen Barlow I got from Kenny at Sooner State. Here's a pic, courtesy of that site:

Slight digression: The "weird" thing about this knife is it has no visible spring. The back is closed, and the frame and bolster appear to be made from one solid piece of aluminum. There are two small slots along the back where the blade tang and a ~1/4" section of steel spring are visible. I bought it because it was so weird, and the fact that I graduated from high school in '78. Well, it was a reasonable excuse at the time...

-- Sam