Queen cutlery fillet knife

[PhilipWimberly]

I found this in an old tackle box. Because of whose box it was, I think the knife has to be pre-1970, but could be much older. Could also be an odd “modern” addition to this guy’s box, though. He’s not around to ask.
I’m curious about the age, but much more interested in the handle wrap and sheath. Are either original?

 

[John A. Larsen]

I have one of those, wrap is not original, should be Winter Bone underneath the wrapping. I also believe it is pre-1970. John

 

[killgar]

I don't think that's a fillet knife. A saber grind on a fillet knife would be very unusual. It looks like what's left of a Queen model #82 Hunting Knife.

Model #82



As far as age, the #82 goes back at least to 1947 (the oldest Queen catalog I can find). From 1947 to 1954 the #82 had a thin guard made from a bent piece of flat metal, but in 1955 they switched to the thicker guard pictured above, and on your knife. However, in 1955 they also added a distinct fuller to the blade.

Some time in the mid 1980's to early 1990's they dropped the fuller. The last year I can find for the #82 is 1999.


Or it could be a model #92


From 1947 to 1950 the #92 had the thick guard pictured. But based on the catalogs, it looks like they switched to the thin guard just like the older #82 in 1952. In 1955 they added a fuller. It also appears the #92 with saber grind and flat pommel was discontinued in the late 1950's.

 

[knarfeng]

FWIW, I agree with Killgar.
Think it's a hunter, not a fillet knife. I've never seen a handle wrap on an as produced Queen knife. Nor have I ever seen Queen supply a sheath like that.

 

[PhilipWimberly]

I don't think that's a fillet knife. A saber grind on a fillet knife would be very unusual. It looks like what's left of a Queen model #82 Hunting Knife.

Model #82

View attachment 2888836

As far as age, the #82 goes back at least to 1947 (the oldest Queen catalog I can find). From 1947 to 1954 the #82 had a thin guard made from a bent piece of flat metal, but in 1955 they switched to the thicker guard pictured above, and on your knife. However, in 1955 they also added a distinct fuller to the blade.

Some time in the mid 1980's to early 1990's they dropped the fuller. The last year I can find for the #82 is 1999.


Or it could be a model #92

View attachment 2888853
From 1947 to 1950 the #92 had the thick guard pictured. But based on the catalogs, it looks like they switched to the thin guard just like the older #82 in 1952. In 1955 they added a fuller. It also appears the #92 with saber grind and flat pommel was discontinued in the late 1950's.

Really appreciate the time and thought. Thanks very much.

 

[John A. Larsen]

I checked my Queen and it is a fillet knife, no guard and flat ground, with Winter Bone scales. John