Old Case XX pattern

ARtsig1

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I have an older Case pattern that I am curious about. I originally bought it back in the mid eighties and at the time I bought it the gentleman told me it was circa 1946-1956 somewhere in between. I think it is a Swell-End Jack and the pattern number is 5299 1/2. There are two blades and both open from the same end. The larger is 3.0" in length and is a clip point while the smaller one is 2 1/4" and is a spearpoint/pen blade. It is bolstered on both ends and has stag grips. The marking is CASE XX with U.S.A. beneath it. the inlaid shield is maerked CASE with a oval etched around it. The overall condition is good or maybe very good. I'm not sure how these older knives are judged. The blades have only the barest hint of any spotting and that is only here and there and pretty far away from one another. I'm not interested in selling the knife only want to know when it was made and what a value would be present day. This was the last knife I ever gave my father and now it has come back to me. he always told me that the older Case's were the best especially the ones without the stainless steels.

So if anyone knows I would greatly appreciate anything you would care to share.
 
If the stamping is Case XX then USA only, without a row of 10 dots under that, then it was made between 1965 and 1969. The tang stamp was changed in 1970 to include the row of dots - although 1970 was the last year that Case made this pattern. I have heard collectors call the 99-1/2 the "rail splitter". It is a pretty desireable pattern for collectors.

From your description it sounds like it is unsharpened? and maybe in near mint condition. If so, its value is probably in the range of $150.
 
No dots. So I was off by a decade! It does have carbon steel blades and the condition is very good. Course that might change as I am carrying this knife now and will be using it. As I said it was the last knife I ever gave my father. When he passed away in 1990 I put it up and it has been up ever since. It is just too good a pocket knife not to carry and use. The "walk and talk" is the tightest of any knife I picked up in a while. The blades are razor sharp and the only thing they have been sharpened on is a Spyderco 204 so there are no marks on the flat of the blade.

All in all a very nice blade!

Btw knifeaholic...thanks for the info!
 
Great knife to tote that will help keep memories of your dad. Those older Case knives are indeed great pieces especially when you compare them to knives of the last 40 years or so. I always struggle when one shows up in excellent to near mint, between carrying and putting it up.

Art, in your case I could not immagine a better slip joint to carry and use and maybe pass on to a family member one day. Hope you enjoy it and that it brings a smile due to fond memories every time you use it.
 
You know Gus, with my fondness for big and beefy folders I thought to myself that this knife would be a perfect fit. I guess what you said sorta verifies what i was thinking.......thanks!
 
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