Sterling or Aluminum ? Buck 111

M

Michelle79

Joined
Dec 29, 2013
Messages
3
Hello Everyone! I helped My mom and Uncle with a sale and He had this Knife for 5 Dollars . I wanted to buy It but He just gave it to me . I am getting confused reading on it Ive seen people say that ones like it are Sterling and Some say they are Aluminum . Can anybody Give me a Straight Answer on this . Says Buck 111 USA on the Blade and believe it is the Original Sheath not sure though.

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Your knife is coined (stamped) aluminum. Sterling knives do exist but I do not believe one was made in that size. They are usually smaller. The big giveaway is the presence of visible rivits. The sterling knives are actually overlays with no visible rivits.

Here are some sterling knives in the smaller 525 size with 1 7/8" blades. The scroll pattern design is somewhat similar to your larger 111. The 525 down front engraved with "DAD" is a pretender with an aluminum overlay, not sterling, but the coin pattern is identical.

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As the sheath shows, you have a Buck 111 "Classic" model. It's scales are Aluminum, the scroll work was done by striking like a coin.

jb4570
 
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That is a beauty. And the sheath is in such terrific condition. What a wonderful gift. Thank you kindly for posting your great photos.

Did you know that a very few of that model were made in brass? Yes. Oh yes.
 
Wow Thank You for the Help and the responses! I forgot to ask is 1986 the right Year? My Uncle Said He thinks My Aunt gave it to Him in 86/87
 
Michelle79 said:
Wow Thank You for the Help and the responses! I forgot to ask is 1986 the right Year? My Uncle Said He thinks My Aunt gave it to Him in 86/87
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Modern Buck knives have date codes stamped onto the blade tang. There is a code sticky thread up above for you. What symbol is shown on the blade's tang?

An arrow head pointing left is 1986. One pointing right is 1987.
 
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oregon said:
Modern Buck knives have date codes stamped onto the blade tang. There is a code sticky thread up above for you. What symbol is shown on the blade's tang?
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Oregon,

I bet the OP will tell you it's got 4 dots and looks like this **111** or a 3 dot and look like this *111**
jb4570
 
I bet the same but it might be fun for the OP to get an eyeful of the date chart.
 
oregon said:
I bet the same but it might be fun for the OP to get an eyeful of the date chart.
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Yep Oregon I agree, But with only 3 posts now the OP most likely will not know where to look for the date chart and the dot knives are not on the date chart as it starts with the 86 date code. Fun yes for us old timers to help someone with a question.

Roger, OP = Original Post, Original Poster.

Michelle79, Welcome to the Buck forum! Your new Buck 111 is a great looking knife and will give you a life time of service.

jb4570
 
I think it is a 4 dot. As when Sky copied his post it picked up another dot. Which are 81 or 82 mfg.. That's a real fine model to own. There's a real Buck history on it. DM
 
A good thing to remember.

Dots date the blade only. Leftover blades are often attached to the rest of the knife years later.
 
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