Newbie with questions

[GraysonK]

Hi there!
Wow! I was so happy to find this subforum. I love the Old Timer knives. I'm particularly fond of the lockbacks, but I have some questions.
First of all, are Imperial and Imperial Schrade the same thing? I have several knives that have Imperial R.I. on the blade and was wondering if that was the same company.
Second question: What does the number on the blade mean? I have a green handled Old Timer lockback with a brass bolster. It has Imperial Schrade USA 50T on the blade. What does that mean?
Thanks and I can't wait to peruse this forum some more.
Thanks!
Gray

 

[DaveT63]

Gray,
Welcome to the forum! At some time, Imperial and Schrade merged (not sure who bought who) to form Imperial Schrade Corp. Not sure of the timeframe either. The 5OT on the blade is the model number of the knife. There are a LOT of regulars here with a LOT more knowledge than I have who will be along shortly. They are extremely welcoming to new members and very free and helpful with information. In the mean time, Larry has put together an INCREDIBLE site about Schrades where you can do a lot of research should you feel up to it. Check it out here, and let Larry know what you think.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/

Dave

 

[ea42]

Gray, it went something like this (I might be off a few years here or there):

-In the mid forties, Ulster Knife and Imperial formed a joint venture called Kingston Cutlery whose main function was to produce knives for the government during the war. During this time Kingston also bought Schrade Cutlery Corp., re-naming it Schrade Walden

-In 1947 Kingston was dissolved and and Ulster/Schrade and Imperial merged to form Imperial Knife Associated Companies. All three tang stamps continued to be used.

-In 1984, Albert Baer bought out his Imperial partners and re-named the company Imperial Schrade Corp, moving most production to the large factory in Ellenville, and some overseas primarily in Ireland and Germany.


If your knives are pre-1945, they're 100% Imperials, any later and they were part of the partnership. Welcome to the club!!

Eric