Western knife identification and aging

[Arathol]

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[Garrett85]

any help with dating this guy would be great. Only says western USA AND HAS L66 on brass. Sorry for photo quality. It was my grandfathers. Found it in his old tackle box

 

[black mamba]

1973-'76. Great knife, should clean up nicely!

 

[Slice-and-dice]

Found this older thread. Here's my 1950 Western L66. Tang stamp reads:

WESTERN
BOULDER, COLO.
PAT'D MADE IN U.S.A.

Sharpened a few times, but full blade remains, really nice shape and well cared for. I think the lightly patina'd blade is 1095? How do I date this to 1950? Well Gramps said he bought it immediately upon discharge at the PX in July 1950. No receipt, but I haven't seen anything to contradict this as a solid date. Note, I believe the sheath is a same model replacement from the 1970's, but am open to your thoughts.

 

[black mamba]

Joe, that tang stamp was used from the late 1940s to about 1955, and yes, the sheath is much newer. Blade steel was 1095 Cro-Van.

 

[Slice-and-dice]

Joe, that tang stamp was used from the late 1940s to about 1955, and yes, the sheath is much newer. Blade steel was 1095 Cro-Van.

Woohooo, expert testimony received! Thanks Jeff.