Old Camillus?

[JohnF]

Hi folks! This seems like the right forum for this question. Here is a photo of a utility knife I bought at a flea market:

It is 3 3/8" closed, has nickle silver handles, a long-pull spear blade and an old fashioned can opener. Both blades are marked with the old three line Camillus logo, which Goins identifies as pre-1920. The master blade is crisply etched with the sword brand logo, in use since 1906. The front of the blade has a shiny crocus polish, while the back has a glaze finish. All of this indicates an old knife. However... to say that it is unusual to find 80+ year old minty knives for cheap at a local flea market would be an understatement! So, is this some kind of recent reproduction that I'm not familiar with? Or what?

------------------
Eclectic Accumulator

[This message has been edited by JohnF (edited 02-06-2001).]

 

[JohnF]

Hello again. Does anyone have any info on this?

------------------
Eclectic Accumulator

 

[Will Fennell]

John,
Sorry for the delayed response, I've been on the road a bit. I must say, congrats on the good find! That is definately NOT a recent production. I will defer to Tom William, our company historian, to provide you with more detailed info. on you knife, but I sure wish I would have found it!

------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com

 

[CAMCO]

Your Camillus knife is definitely an early
production model as indicated by the Sword Brand and three line tang stampings. The can-opener is the same style that was used on the Marlin Spike knives made for the British and Canadian Navies during WW1. The handle stampings would possibly indicate that your knife was a salesman's sample as this was frequently done on Camillus knives.
Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.