Codger_64
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In the spring of 1943, The United States was heavily invested in World War Two.
Many items formerly available on the civilian market were not available as the War Production Board restricted the use of strategic materials. And many items were subject to restrictions via ration coupons. Most notable were products using metals such as steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Partly this was because the manufacturers of goods were largely if not completely converted to producing goods for the war, and partly so as to free up reserves of metals for war materials.
A list of over 200 items no longer available appeared on page 934 in the Sears catalog that spring. Stainless knives and tableware were on the list. However nearly a full page was devoted to pocketknives.
New to the pocketknife line brands was Craftsman. Dunlap remained, but Kwik Kut disappeared. Sta-Sharp was still listed, but as a sub-brand of Craftsman.
While the cutleries were deeply engaged in war production, Camillus still managed in 1943 to provide $147,174.51 in knives to Sears at a time when Albert Baers Ulster, like Camillus also involved in war production, was also providing them with knives.
Thus I think there may be a mix of the two manufacturers products represented in 1943. Perhaps some of you can help sort out which knives were made by the Kastors, and which were made by the Baers.
Many items formerly available on the civilian market were not available as the War Production Board restricted the use of strategic materials. And many items were subject to restrictions via ration coupons. Most notable were products using metals such as steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Partly this was because the manufacturers of goods were largely if not completely converted to producing goods for the war, and partly so as to free up reserves of metals for war materials.
A list of over 200 items no longer available appeared on page 934 in the Sears catalog that spring. Stainless knives and tableware were on the list. However nearly a full page was devoted to pocketknives.
New to the pocketknife line brands was Craftsman. Dunlap remained, but Kwik Kut disappeared. Sta-Sharp was still listed, but as a sub-brand of Craftsman.
While the cutleries were deeply engaged in war production, Camillus still managed in 1943 to provide $147,174.51 in knives to Sears at a time when Albert Baers Ulster, like Camillus also involved in war production, was also providing them with knives.
Thus I think there may be a mix of the two manufacturers products represented in 1943. Perhaps some of you can help sort out which knives were made by the Kastors, and which were made by the Baers.
