The first commemorative

textoothpk

textoothpk

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I like commemorative knives, if they do actually commemorate something worthwhile. They usually come in a nice box, makes for a good display piece, nice to have something a little special. Here's one I watched sell on ebay last night.

0SchradeKentuckyrifle.jpg


I have read some references that call this one the very first commemorative; other sources say it was merely the first really important one, and was the offical starting point of all commemoratives. This is the Kentucky rifle issue, made by Schrade, issued by AG Russell. He did a series of three of these, this being the CM1. I know the CM3 is the luger pistol knife, made by Puma, but I have never bothered to seek out what the second one was.

This knife was made in three grades. This is the basic 'collector' model, serial numbers over 100 (total of 12,000 were made, but if you have a number like 1403, that is only because the numbers (because of rejects) ran all the way to 15,000 or so). It sold at about 12 bucks.

There was also the 'Excelsior' model, with engraved bolsters and etched blade, numbers 13-100. But the 'Premier' model was very special, serial numbers 1 to 13, with gold inlay bolsters and extra fancy blade etchings. Most of the above info from The Standard Knife Collector's Guide , by Ritchie and Stewart.

Schrade has made many, many 'commemoratives', more than any other company. A close relative of commemoratives are 'Limited Editions': In BRLevines guide, he writes:

"Limited edtion knives are, in effect, commemorative knives that do not commemorate anthing in particular. I guess they commemorate the fact that somone wanted to make a special knife in limited numbers.".

Well, yes, of course, who among us wouldn't love a vanity project like that, commemorating ourselves?

Just presented to you for your approval out of early morning boredom and to prove I can ramble just as our LT can. By the way, the 'Kentucky rifle' sold last night for $50.00

Good day to all of you! Phil
 
Hello Phil,

CM-2 was a Granddaddy Barlow by Camillus. It may not necesssarily be firearm related, though later one's in the series were. If you are interested, that series is listed on pg. 162 of BRL's Guide #4. The CM-1 appears to be the only Schrade made knife.

Regards,

Bill
 
Thanks!

I should have bid on that knife, just to have it, but I think that about almost every knife I see. Have to draw the line somewhere. I would like to at least see one of the 'Premier' grade knives.

Phil
 
Bill referred me to this when I asked here, thanks again, el Lobo! It's a very interesting, informative work. Cheap as well.
Voyles book

Good little tale of the Kentucky rifle knife (Made by Schrade, marketed by AG Russell), how it started the whole commemorative craze. The book does point out that it was not the first such knife, however.

I must also say, after reading the appropriate section in the book, that Schrade has not made the most commemoratives, according to the author. Case has that honor.... however so many of the Case commemoratives had such huge production runs, they don't really qualify by Mr. Voyles standards.

Also... the book mentions that Schrade sold a stature of Liberty commemorative knife that had a limited edtion print to go along with it. LT, are you familiar with the print/knife combo?

I might also add that I was very happy with the service I got from KnifeCenter. Thanks again, Bill.
Phil
 
Ive heard them make this claim before. Case actually made them first. In fact there were a few made before Scharde ever made the kentucky rifle com.
 
AH yes but do you know what is considered the first knife to utilize a famous personality ( which kind of made it a commorative since it was issued as an honor to the individual as well as being a commercial enterprise. He the individual, also claimed it was his favorite knife, an early commercial. ) This is kind of a simple question so no hints . ( There may have been earlier one but I believe this was the first to make an impact and it is the earliest I can think of at the moment.) Ok one hint the person and the owner of the knife company both were medal of honor winners although the celebrity later had his recinded by the govt. In those days you could put yourself in for one however while many were awarded this way, later on, many were nulified. The knife factory owners, was not nulified of course by then he was a Congressman ( he also was a true hero during the civil war.) Do you know who he was?

I just saw the question on the liberty I dimly recall something but am not surprised, the 92 Columbus 500 year set came with a leather bound book medalion, white gloves , and a video VCR tape.
 
I think I know... but it's too early to ruin the guessing game. May I simply say that the Medal of Honor winner/ Knife manufacturer, was Thomas Bradley? Awarded the Medal for actions at Chancellorsville. From the Citation: Volunteered in response to a call and alone, in the face of a heavy fire of musketry and canister, went and procured ammunition for the use of his comrades

What knife company was this?

And who was the 'celebrity'?

Phil
 
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