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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
"Old Knives"
- Thread starter VCM3
- Start date
Augie
Gold Member
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- Aug 23, 2014
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Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. I've been informed that it is not Case but most likely made by Challenge which would explain the shield and the bone. Makes it all the better for me as I love Challenge knives and try to add them to the pile whenever I can. It also makes it older than I thought as Challenge went out of business in the 1920's if I remember right.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2013
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I really admire a nice Challenge myself, here's some tested era jigging for comparison with the Clauss.
I love seeing that knife Rob, such a great one!
Campbellclanman
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
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- 15,521
Augie and Rob - both of you gents displayed two very nice old Knives.
Here is a Wee bit of a mystery, and a darned nice old Knife!
I recently bought this Knife with a bunch of Sears Knives, My friend the Seller did a lot of research and asking of some very influential people in the know of Camillus Knives!
There were three people mentioned whom were asked and each being probably the very best of whom would know about anything of the Camillus Knives and the History, mentioned names would add to the flavour of this story- but I personally did not contact these people and I would feel as I would be stepping out of line by mentioning their names.
This Knife would have to be classed as immaculate, it has the original Salesman number still to be seen " S131"
So research was done by the folks when asked about this Knife, the only trace in History of Camillus for this exact pattern or anything like S131 was a Marlin Spike example - and available in Jigged Bone only - so quite different.
The Ebony is plain outright gorgeous, The extremely highly factory Polished Blade is in beautiful condition- the Swage lines are sharp, and the Swage goes the Length of the Blade. Great big Rat's Tailed Bolsters, along with the Thumb studded Can opener - one does not want any bit in the way of either of these Blades when they are out for their Walk and Talk! The knife is in Superb shape.
Word comes back from the Gents.... S131, was found with other original Camillus Paper work, one particular piece dated 1915 had this Knife sketched out. This card is in the possession of a very well know Authority of Camilus and is among other all original Camillus Paper Work.
It is said by this group that perhaps this Knife did not reach production, Camillus would make a Prototype of say 10 knives for them to be displayed in front of the Customer such as Canadian Navy, the Knives having been made in the size required by the Customer - and then the one or two of that group would be picked out, and the thinking is that this was one that did not get picked out for production, this would mean that there could possibly be a few in existence.
Another thing that makes one scratch the head is the 4 line Stamps - could be mistaken for three on the opener - but the knife has 4 lined Stamping on the Main so this denotes the 40's period, I cant make any other assumptions - but the fact is the original sketch seems to be earlier- and this is from probably THE most reliable source, and that this knife has S131 still on the back of the Main.
Rarity doesnt mean huge value, but as we know Rarity creates interest and I think theres a lot of interest packed into this one particular knife, as it is definitely a Camillus Made Knife- and where is it's kin?
4 & 3/4 closed.
The reflection makes the rear of the Swage look a bit wonky-it's not- the Lines on this Knife are just Great!
S131..
Here is a Wee bit of a mystery, and a darned nice old Knife!
I recently bought this Knife with a bunch of Sears Knives, My friend the Seller did a lot of research and asking of some very influential people in the know of Camillus Knives!
There were three people mentioned whom were asked and each being probably the very best of whom would know about anything of the Camillus Knives and the History, mentioned names would add to the flavour of this story- but I personally did not contact these people and I would feel as I would be stepping out of line by mentioning their names.
This Knife would have to be classed as immaculate, it has the original Salesman number still to be seen " S131"
So research was done by the folks when asked about this Knife, the only trace in History of Camillus for this exact pattern or anything like S131 was a Marlin Spike example - and available in Jigged Bone only - so quite different.
The Ebony is plain outright gorgeous, The extremely highly factory Polished Blade is in beautiful condition- the Swage lines are sharp, and the Swage goes the Length of the Blade. Great big Rat's Tailed Bolsters, along with the Thumb studded Can opener - one does not want any bit in the way of either of these Blades when they are out for their Walk and Talk! The knife is in Superb shape.
Word comes back from the Gents.... S131, was found with other original Camillus Paper work, one particular piece dated 1915 had this Knife sketched out. This card is in the possession of a very well know Authority of Camilus and is among other all original Camillus Paper Work.
It is said by this group that perhaps this Knife did not reach production, Camillus would make a Prototype of say 10 knives for them to be displayed in front of the Customer such as Canadian Navy, the Knives having been made in the size required by the Customer - and then the one or two of that group would be picked out, and the thinking is that this was one that did not get picked out for production, this would mean that there could possibly be a few in existence.
Another thing that makes one scratch the head is the 4 line Stamps - could be mistaken for three on the opener - but the knife has 4 lined Stamping on the Main so this denotes the 40's period, I cant make any other assumptions - but the fact is the original sketch seems to be earlier- and this is from probably THE most reliable source, and that this knife has S131 still on the back of the Main.
Rarity doesnt mean huge value, but as we know Rarity creates interest and I think theres a lot of interest packed into this one particular knife, as it is definitely a Camillus Made Knife- and where is it's kin?
4 & 3/4 closed.
The reflection makes the rear of the Swage look a bit wonky-it's not- the Lines on this Knife are just Great!
S131..
rockman0
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2013
- Messages
- 3,098
Well written mystery Duncan
i agree rarity doesn't parallel monetary value but in some cases such as this knife rarity supersedes value in my opinion. That's a pristine rare old knife my friend
i agree rarity doesn't parallel monetary value but in some cases such as this knife rarity supersedes value in my opinion. That's a pristine rare old knife my friendAugie and Rob - both of you gents displayed two very nice old Knives.
Here is a Wee bit of a mystery, and a darned nice old Knife!
I recently bought this Knife with a bunch of Sears Knives, My friend the Seller did a lot of research and asking of some very influential people in the know of Camillus Knives!
There were three people mentioned whom were asked and each being probably the very best of whom would know about anything of the Camillus Knives and the History, mentioned names would add to the flavour of this story- but I personally did not contact these people and I would feel as I would be stepping out of line by mentioning their names.
This Knife would have to be classed as immaculate, it has the original Salesman number still to be seen " S131"
So research was done by the folks when asked about this Knife, the only trace in History of Camillus for this exact pattern or anything like S131 was a Marlin Spike example - and available in Jigged Bone only - so quite different.
The Ebony is plain outright gorgeous, The extremely highly factory Polished Blade is in beautiful condition- the Swage lines are sharp, and the Swage goes the Length of the Blade. Great big Rat's Tailed Bolsters, along with the Thumb studded Can opener - one does not want any bit in the way of either of these Blades when they are out for their Walk and Talk! The knife is in Superb shape.
Word comes back from the Gents.... S131, was found with other original Camillus Paper work, one particular piece dated 1915 had this Knife sketched out. This card is in the possession of a very well know Authority of Camilus and is among other all original Camillus Paper Work.
It is said by this group that perhaps this Knife did not reach production, Camillus would make a Prototype of say 10 knives for them to be displayed in front of the Customer such as Canadian Navy, the Knives having been made in the size required by the Customer - and then the one or two of that group would be picked out, and the thinking is that this was one that did not get picked out for production, this would mean that there could possibly be a few in existence.
Another thing that makes one scratch the head is the 4 line Stamps - could be mistaken for three on the opener - but the knife has 4 lined Stamping on the Main so this denotes the 40's period, I cant make any other assumptions - but the fact is the original sketch seems to be earlier- and this is from probably THE most reliable source, and that this knife has S131 still on the back of the Main.
Rarity doesnt mean huge value, but as we know Rarity creates interest and I think theres a lot of interest packed into this one particular knife, as it is definitely a Camillus Made Knife- and where is it's kin?
4 & 3/4 closed.
The reflection makes the rear of the Swage look a bit wonky-it's not- the Lines on this Knife are just Great!
S131..
waynorth
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 32,444
That's a beauty, Duncan! It appears to have been a sample intended for military service (aboard ship??)
Never having seen another, I would have to guess it is a prototype, or sample pre-production. Usually if a knife has been issued, there are dozens floating around! Nice find!! Amazing condition!
Never having seen another, I would have to guess it is a prototype, or sample pre-production. Usually if a knife has been issued, there are dozens floating around! Nice find!! Amazing condition!
Campbellclanman
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
- Messages
- 15,521
Thank you Rob and Thank you Charlie, kinda cool Knife imo, and thank you Gentleman for your kind comments.
Augie
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2014
- Messages
- 3,899
Augie and Rob - both of you gents displayed two very nice old Knives.
Here is a Wee bit of a mystery, and a darned nice old Knife!
I recently bought this Knife with a bunch of Sears Knives, My friend the Seller did a lot of research and asking of some very influential people in the know of Camillus Knives!
There were three people mentioned whom were asked and each being probably the very best of whom would know about anything of the Camillus Knives and the History, mentioned names would add to the flavour of this story- but I personally did not contact these people and I would feel as I would be stepping out of line by mentioning their names.
This Knife would have to be classed as immaculate, it has the original Salesman number still to be seen " S131"
So research was done by the folks when asked about this Knife, the only trace in History of Camillus for this exact pattern or anything like S131 was a Marlin Spike example - and available in Jigged Bone only - so quite different.
The Ebony is plain outright gorgeous, The extremely highly factory Polished Blade is in beautiful condition- the Swage lines are sharp, and the Swage goes the Length of the Blade. Great big Rat's Tailed Bolsters, along with the Thumb studded Can opener - one does not want any bit in the way of either of these Blades when they are out for their Walk and Talk! The knife is in Superb shape.
Word comes back from the Gents.... S131, was found with other original Camillus Paper work, one particular piece dated 1915 had this Knife sketched out. This card is in the possession of a very well know Authority of Camilus and is among other all original Camillus Paper Work.
It is said by this group that perhaps this Knife did not reach production, Camillus would make a Prototype of say 10 knives for them to be displayed in front of the Customer such as Canadian Navy, the Knives having been made in the size required by the Customer - and then the one or two of that group would be picked out, and the thinking is that this was one that did not get picked out for production, this would mean that there could possibly be a few in existence.
Another thing that makes one scratch the head is the 4 line Stamps - could be mistaken for three on the opener - but the knife has 4 lined Stamping on the Main so this denotes the 40's period, I cant make any other assumptions - but the fact is the original sketch seems to be earlier- and this is from probably THE most reliable source, and that this knife has S131 still on the back of the Main.
Rarity doesnt mean huge value, but as we know Rarity creates interest and I think theres a lot of interest packed into this one particular knife, as it is definitely a Camillus Made Knife- and where is it's kin?
4 & 3/4 closed.
The reflection makes the rear of the Swage look a bit wonky-it's not- the Lines on this Knife are just Great!
S131..
Great knife and write up Duncan, I think I know who you got that one from.
Thanks Campbellclanman, waynorth, and Augie.
waynorth, While it does look like a dished type of shield, it's actually some poor photography on my end which resulted in a dark reflection on the shield. It is otherwise flat and shiny.
Augie, nice and unusual Clauss model.
Campbellclanman, fantastic Camillus salesman sample model, and I believe danno50 has unlocked part of the mystery to it. I would be a bit hesitant to date that knife by the blade stamp alone.
That model sure seems to date to an earlier time based on the size, pattern, can opener, and the similar example as danno50's fine knife with a marked date of 1915.
I have and have seen several Camillus knives that do not fall into the current tang stamp charts that most people use.
Beautiful example with the great addition of being an untouched salesman model!!!
danno50, also a great example of a Canadian military folder. There are a couple of very good military knife books from Michael Silvey and Ron Flook. Silvey's book covers U.S. made knives, while Flook's book covers British and Commonwealth models. There is a section towards the back of Flook's book covering some Canadian military models. It is interesting to note that while the British and American naval military used primarily sheep foot or flat-tipped blades in their folding knives, the Canadians used both flat-tipped and spear-point blades in their folding navy knives.
Here is another WWI example by Wostenholm meant for Canadian use.
View attachment 1280633
waynorth, While it does look like a dished type of shield, it's actually some poor photography on my end which resulted in a dark reflection on the shield. It is otherwise flat and shiny.
Augie, nice and unusual Clauss model.
Campbellclanman, fantastic Camillus salesman sample model, and I believe danno50 has unlocked part of the mystery to it. I would be a bit hesitant to date that knife by the blade stamp alone.
That model sure seems to date to an earlier time based on the size, pattern, can opener, and the similar example as danno50's fine knife with a marked date of 1915.
I have and have seen several Camillus knives that do not fall into the current tang stamp charts that most people use.
Beautiful example with the great addition of being an untouched salesman model!!!
danno50, also a great example of a Canadian military folder. There are a couple of very good military knife books from Michael Silvey and Ron Flook. Silvey's book covers U.S. made knives, while Flook's book covers British and Commonwealth models. There is a section towards the back of Flook's book covering some Canadian military models. It is interesting to note that while the British and American naval military used primarily sheep foot or flat-tipped blades in their folding knives, the Canadians used both flat-tipped and spear-point blades in their folding navy knives.
Here is another WWI example by Wostenholm meant for Canadian use.
View attachment 1280633
Campbellclanman
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
- Messages
- 15,521
Thank You Dan and Herder, yes that is the Knife that I mentioned Dan- I can guarantee that my knife and yours would have been in the same line up of choice for the Navy to choose from - yours won, we knew there was the existing Marlin Spike & Jigged Bone version, and yours is a great example.
I have just heard back again from my friend, and he said that the person who has the information on this Knife has the Camillus Card dated 1915, and that this Knife was born in 1915 and has the original Camillus File card dated so, with the Sketch of the Knife as well as the S131 on that Sketch, If I named the person who has these- everyone would say- Oh ok...yep it is written in stone then!
I may ask through my friend, if I would be ok to ask of a copy of this information- and of course pay for this, but I am always quite scared of this type of approach, we will see, but I think it would give this knife great meaning in it's existence.
Herder, I agree, With the information received from such a source one can assertively say this is the same period as Dans, I just may see if I can obtain copies of this Card etc.
Nice IXL my friend! Does this IXL have the Canadian Ordnance stamp on the Marlin Spike?
Augie- You would be right with your suspicions, as I think I know who you are thinking of lol.
I have just heard back again from my friend, and he said that the person who has the information on this Knife has the Camillus Card dated 1915, and that this Knife was born in 1915 and has the original Camillus File card dated so, with the Sketch of the Knife as well as the S131 on that Sketch, If I named the person who has these- everyone would say- Oh ok...yep it is written in stone then!
I may ask through my friend, if I would be ok to ask of a copy of this information- and of course pay for this, but I am always quite scared of this type of approach, we will see, but I think it would give this knife great meaning in it's existence.
Herder, I agree, With the information received from such a source one can assertively say this is the same period as Dans, I just may see if I can obtain copies of this Card etc.
Nice IXL my friend! Does this IXL have the Canadian Ordnance stamp on the Marlin Spike?
Augie- You would be right with your suspicions, as I think I know who you are thinking of lol.
Campbellclanman
Platinum Member
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- Mar 10, 2007
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Augie
danno50
Gold Member
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- Apr 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,818
Thank you herder and Duncan. A lot of interesting information from both of you. The only military book I have is the Knife World compilation of articles from Knife World. It has a one and a half page write up on Canadian knives.
Very nice Wosteholm, herder and Schatt & Morgan, Augie! Both nice examples in good condition.
Continuing with the military theme, I have these two Sheffield knives. A John Milner and a Wade & Butcher (in obvious need of some light cleaning). I previously posted them in Jack Black's military knives thread. They seem to be identical to herder's Wosteholm, so I assume approximately the same vintage? Both are 4 7/8" in length. I assume both are British military, however, I can't find the British broad arrow mark on either of them?
Very nice Wosteholm, herder and Schatt & Morgan, Augie! Both nice examples in good condition.
Continuing with the military theme, I have these two Sheffield knives. A John Milner and a Wade & Butcher (in obvious need of some light cleaning). I previously posted them in Jack Black's military knives thread. They seem to be identical to herder's Wosteholm, so I assume approximately the same vintage? Both are 4 7/8" in length. I assume both are British military, however, I can't find the British broad arrow mark on either of them?
waynorth
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 32,444
Here's another Schatt from the Canadian Navy that has sailed a few knots!! Probably from before Schatt & Morgan went bankrupt and became Queen City.
Notice the broad arrow stamped on the marlin spike!! Note the copper Bail and the hammered pins. The Canadian Navy was founded in 1910!
Notice the broad arrow stamped on the marlin spike!! Note the copper Bail and the hammered pins. The Canadian Navy was founded in 1910!
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