Western knife - unusual handle

[RonnieC]

Hi folks-

I just got a Western 39 series knife with and unusual leather handle pattern. At least, unusual to me. This has the same blade as a 39-series but I've never seen a leather configuration as displayed on this knife. Any ideas?

 

[edbeau]

Did you check the catalogs on http://www.collectors-of-camillus.us/Western/Western.htm ?

 

[RonnieC]

Hi Ed-

I did look through the catalogs after looking through the Camillus forum here and elsewhere online. My apologies if I missed something that is displayed in the catalog.

 

[edbeau]

What are the markings on the knife? To help in dating the blade.

 

[RonnieC]

This knife has the 3-line WESTERN / BOULDER, COLO /PAT NO1,967,479 stamp from 1935-1950. Has anyone seen this type of handle layout before?

 

[lrv]

Here is an article on Black Beauties. Dennis may have more info about the old Western.
http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/Newsletter 0903.pdf

 

[RonnieC]

Hi Irv

Thanks for posting the article about the black beauty knives. Very informative. I also have a F39 black beauty that I like quite a bit. The knife I'm posting about is a leather-handled one but unlike the usual leather handle layout.
Hoping someone may have seen one of these or have some idea about it. Well over 100 views of this thread with no one mentioning that they've seen one like this in the field or eBay or gun and knife show. Starting to wonder if this is a replaced handle.

 

[Big Barn]

with the but-cap pin appearing to be a little proud - someone could of re-handled your knife. It does appear to have been done very well. I thought I had seen a Cattargus (I think I spelled it wrong) with that same washer design. Unfortunately, I can't find that catalog. So - unconfirmed.

 

[sac troop]

Hoping someone may have seen one of these or have some idea about it. Well over 100 views of this thread with no one mentioning that they've seen one like this in the field or eBay or gun and knife show. Starting to wonder if this is a replaced handle.

That was my thought when I first saw your post. Didn't say anything as it was just conjecture. There is some printed word of Western doing some custom handles as special orders. I.m not sure if this information has ever been confirmed for knifes made by the original company.

Here’s some pictures of a late Coleman/Western W49 that came from the factory with a stag/bone handle.