Original 1890 Soldier Swiss Army Knives.... 1890-1951

[Woodrow F Call]

I've gotten bit by a few bugs lately, and this is one of them. Anyone have information on these knives? Are they rarer than hen's teeth? If you have one, please post a picture.

 

[herisson]

This is a Limited Edition (1890 Original Replica) sold under both brands Victorinox and Wenger (black handle). Information is very scarce, steel ?, scales (ebony ?) but the design is so simple and down to earth it is actually appealing. The price however is crazy (was over 400 CHF). I say "was" because one month ago, a cutlery in Luzern (CH) with an online sales site still had some... Can't find it again. Wenger seems to make a 1910 replica, very similar, with red handle (Fibrox scales ! Really ?). Sales price would be 600 $ ? These people live on another planet or/and are downright out of their mind. Good hunt anyway...

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Yeah, I saw the repops. I was really more interested in the originals. I was wondering if they really are that rare.

 

[Morrow]

I'd say they are hard to find. I've seen some at shows that were in pretty bad shape selling for hundreds of dollars. I've posted these pics before but here is my 44p. I'm not 100% certain but I believe it still has the factory edge on it.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Thanks Morrow, that answers my question.

 

[C Ben Susrool]

Very nice !

 

[herisson]

They were considered basic users and new editions were issued quite often. People were happy to switch to the latest model. The oldies were thrown in a drawer, gifted to youngsters or had already died of daily use/abuse. True originals of 1891 are probably the proverbial hen's teeth. Imagine a 100 year old Opinel... If some still exist (possible...), imagine the collector value !!!

 

[herisson]

That 44P is an oldie ! The clip point main blade was produced for a very short time before settling definitely for the classic spear point. I remember one of my uncles still had his army knife and it had that clip main blade ! Didn't quite trust my memory until I saw your pictures...

 

[Morrow]

That 44P is an oldie ! The clip point main blade was produced for a very short time before settling definitely for the classic spear point. I remember one of my uncles still had his army knife and it had that clip main blade ! Didn't quite trust my memory until I saw your pictures...

Thanks...I consider one of my "treasures." Every time I post pictures of it I get a few emails asking me to sell it. I still have it and probably always will.

 

[Sword and Shield]

I'd advance your date a bit- I've one of the old design dated 1954. Looks like it was sharpened with a badger, but I plan on convexing and polishing the blade out, should be good for another 60 years.

 

[M.TEX]

I own many SOLDIERS, and the best one I have is a MINT 100% from factory dated 1941
I have seen on ebay the original 1890 or 1891 for auction a long time ago and the price was high....
keep looking and you may find one....but you must be ready to bid high....

 

[Woodrow F Call]

I own many SOLDIERS, and the best one I have is a MINT 100% from factory dated 1941
I have seen on ebay the original 1890 or 1891 for auction a long time ago and the price was high....
keep looking and you may find one....but you must be ready to bid high....

Pics?

 

[sturzi]

Here's what I know (or at least I think I do):

There were two models, the 1890 and 1908. The model 1890 wasn't produced from 1890-1851, it was replaced by the more common model 1908 (like Morrow's example).
The 1890 has a spear blade and wooden or fiber covers, the model 1908 is the newer version with a clip blade (<- produced for a long time) and fiber covers.

A 1890 in good condition with wood covers is rare as hens teeth I'd say.
The 1908 is very common, it was given to every man in Switzerland for almost 1/2 a century. The problem is that it was a cheap knife provisioned by the army, so most of them are abused and beaten. But with a bit of luck you'll find one in good condition. (Maybe not so easy in the US, maybe replace the .com with a .ch on the big auction site and ask if they'd ship internationally.)
Prices vary greatly, but I saw decent examples for 30$.

Pics:

My Grandfather's 1908, a carbon steel knife with a stainless replacement blade (hence the 'E' for Ersatz/replacement).

And another 1908 from 1944, soon on its way to mr_badexample

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Sturzi, thanks for the info!