Old Timers on public display

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
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A portion of my Old Timer collection will be on display at the New Mexico Scouting Museum in Raton, New Mexico this summer. Old Timers are perhaps the most popular and easily recognizable knife brands in the history of American cutlery manufacturing. And I'm certain that they have always been popular among Boy Scouts.

I'm still working out the organization and layout. It's by no means a complete OT collection, but there's a couple of unusual oddballs and special editions that might make it worth stopping to see, if anyone's by this way in the next few months.

I'll post a photo of the display once it's set up.

-Bob
 
Would love to see the collection also, it is a shame that New Mexico is so far away, hope all goes well with the display, look forward to viewing the photos.

Rusty1
 
sweet!!! yea, if u get some pics, zap'em to us! i went to new mexico in 1999, went to see those "billy the kid" sights. we had to walk a good distance to see a rock with a plaque on it. dont know what i expected, but didnt get much. i think it was cooler to see the "smokey the bear" stuff. (no codger, it isnt a highway patrolman!!!) new mexico is a beautiful state with alot of history. if anyone ever gets the chance, give it a visit.

kris
 
Bob W said:
A portion of my Old Timer collection will be on display at the New Mexico Scouting Museum in Raton, New Mexico this summer. Old Timers are perhaps the most popular and easily recognizable knife brands in the history of American cutlery manufacturing. And I'm certain that they have always been popular among Boy Scouts.

I'm still working out the organization and layout. It's by no means a complete OT collection, but there's a couple of unusual oddballs and special editions that might make it worth stopping to see, if anyone's by this way in the next few months.

I'll post a photo of the display once it's set up.

-Bob
Click to expand...
I recently aquired two Old Timer pocket knives and know little about them. One is a large (4") Trapper, marked: SCHRADE, U.S.A., 940T, and the other is a Stockman (3 3/8"), marked SCHRADE, U.S.A. 340T. The scales look like sawn reddish brown plastic with a cream colored interior. Do you know any more information about them. They both have oval shields with OLD TIMER imprinted, and brass liners.
 
Sure, I can tell you a bit, but then search the forum for those particular models if you want to know a lot more.

The 34OT was perhaps the most popular model of the Old Timer series and was called the Middleman. The 94OT was also rather common and is called simply the Trapper.

The original Old Timer knives like your's were last made in 2004. Based on the tang stamps, your's could either be carbon steel blades or the later stainless blades. If you have the original boxes, it's possible to further narrow the age range of your knives.

The handle material was officially called, "unbreakable sawcut Delrin" (aka plastic :) ). The bolsters are nickel silver.

The value of those is best determined by checking recent eBay auctions. If the knives are unused and in the original boxes, I'd guess $30-$40 each. Deduct $5-$10 if they're unused but you don't have the boxes. If they're used, then anywhere from $5 - $20 apiece. Just my estimates - even after three years the Old Timer values still fluxuate wildly from week to week.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
That's a real cool thing, Bob! Fortunately, there is a lot of history at the Scouting museums, and things like knives are still welcome.

There is a scouting museum locally here at Camp Carpenter in NH, and there is some really great stuff.

As a scout leader, it is sad to see knives become a secondary tool in most events. Gone are the days when the scout's knife was pretty much a required part of the uniform. They started by going after the fixed blade knife, and now the slipjoint is under attack. I was shocked a few years back when they didn't even want the cubs bringing a knife to resident camp. We just told the boys to leave them in their tents, and let them use them around camp. (Provided they had the whittlin' chip card, of course!)

I'm sure the boys (and adults) will enjoy the display. Please do post photos!

Glenn
 
whats a scout without his knife?? every boy in the scouts needs a official knife, it is a trusted companion, and a tool that is quite useful afield. heck, i still carry mine everyonce in awhile when i go camping. i still remember how to whittle sticks for starting a fire!! that bottle opener and can opener come in handy too! matter of fact, i believe the only reason i wanted to be in scouts so i could get me a official scout knife!!

kris
 
When I was in Scouts 25-30 years ago, sheath knives were not allowed. But a pocket knife was a required part of our uniform inspections.

-Bob
 
exactly!! i remember my mama having to buy me one because it was on a list of "to get" things. boy, i love my knife, and i loved using it when i was a scout!! oh well, i guess pretty soon red ryder, boy scout knives, and cap guns will all be in a museum. man, i still remember my first b.b. gun. the first time i used it i killed some fat bird, and my daddy tanned my hide. he said i better not shoot any more damn chickens or else he would wrap my bb gun around a tree!! ahhh... i can remember many a day when my trusty red ryder and scout knife kept the commanches at bay, stopped jesse james from robbing the local bank, and provided hours of entertainment to a "tarzan" child being me! nowdays its all video games, music and just plain crap!! i am glad i grew up country!!

kris
 
Bob,
As a life long Scouter, I just wanted to say Thank You for the time and effort you are putting in for the enjoyment and betterment of Scouts in NM and elsewhere.
 
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