JG Higgins Fixed blade

[glennbad]

Okay gang, here's one I need your opinion on. I'm sure you saw this on ebay a little while back:

I was intrigued by it, and after talking about schrade and JC higgins, I thought this knife might be a Schrade.

Everything about, blade shape, etc., looks like similar schrade patterns. I have never seen this handle arrangement, though. A creamy pearl like outer layer, then a somewhat transparent under layer with a brown swirl running through it. The handle edges have pulled a tiny amount, but they look original.

So how about, all you who have their minds 'fixed' on one thing, what do you all think?

Glenn

 

[Codger_64]

These come up on eBay quite often. I do not have one in my hand to compare, but it appears to be a Schrade pattern blade. Most often, when a seller gives a full description of the markings, the knife has "J.C. Higgins our own trademark" and "Pat. No. 1967479". The reverse is stamped "Made In U.S.A.", and overall length is given at 9 1/4", more or less depending on wear and who is measuring.

J.C. Higgins is a Sears and ROebuck brand name, thus their signature trademark. The patent number (#1967479) refers to the Harlow Platts patent of 1931 for forming a tool handle (knife) in such a manner as to not have the handle material become loose or displaced. It comprises a bifurcated tang (split), notches with shoulders at the choil to stop the movement of a guard, "H" shaped washer handle material (leather, plastic, metal) and a double pinned buttcap or pommel. This design gives the knife an exposed tang and is most often seen with leather washered handles with composite spacers. Schrade, Western, and several other companies used this construction under license to this patent, and S.R.&Co. was well known for ordering production patterns of fixed blades with unique handle/guard/pommel configurations.

The 9 1/2" stated length exactly matches the Schrade-Walden (and likely also SCC) #148 Hunter's Companion, but the blade profile appears more narrow with a sharper thumb rest peak like the smaller 8 1/2" #137 Camper's Favorite.


Compare them side-by-side yourself. By the way, the outer scales look like bone or possibly ivory, though are likely plastic composition if they are shrinking. The examples I have seen like this look to have wooden inner scales.

My opinion? Send me one and I'll tell you.

Codger

 

[glennbad]

Nice pics and great info, Codger. I knew I could count on you. I was thinking schrade anyway.

here is a side view of the handle. Note that the outer layer is very thin, and the rest is translucent.

Glenn

 

[Codger_64]

Count on me? Well, this just points to what I have said time and again that when I try to answer a question here, I generally wind up learning more than I bargained for. Fur-instance. That patent? Platt? He founded Western in 1896!!! So it is a Western owned patent. Or was.

And the handle material?? Pearl celluloid from what I am reading with (tortoise shell?) composition beneath. Think old hair brushes, combs and makeup boxes. Here is another closeup view of the tang:


Thanks for the lesson, Glenn!

Codger

 

[relodr36]

Speaking of Western:
From their 1985 catalog...

Ron