A Case Pocket Knife for The History Books – Literally

[knifeaholic]

Most collectors of Case knives know that the Case 63 penknife pattern is strongly associated with US President Dwight D Eisenhower.

So much so that Case in recent years officially named that pattern the “Eisenhower” and a facsimile of Ike’s signature was etched on the main blade.

Less well known is that Ike also liked the Case 6333 pattern. In fact, the very first writeup that I ever saw linking Ike to a Case pattern mentioned the 6333, not the 63 penknife.

I think that James Parker may have written about Ike and the 6333, and in fact when Parker owned Case in 1989, a 6333 SS was issued in a limited run with Ike’s signature etched on the blade.

This limited run of the 6333 predated Case making the 63 pattern the official “Eisenhower” pattern by several years.

Anyway, on Ebay I recently snagged this mint vintage CASE XX stamped 6333 for a low price. From an Ebay seller who was not a knife collector.

I saw from the photos included with the Ebay listing that the main clip blade had been personalized post-factory with engraving, but I did not give it much thought.

It was not until I was typing up my description of the knife to post it for sale that it hit me like a ton of bricks.

The engraving on the front of the main clip blade…D D E…now who could that be? Yikes!

And…NEWPORT ’57 on the back of the blade…Ike had a summer retreat in Newport, Rhode Island (I have visited it).

So, my fellow collectors, here we have a piece of Case knife (and US Presidential) history.

[1967redrider]

That is amazing, Steve, awesome find!

[Mumbleypeg]

Nice find Steve, and a sharp eye to spot it!

Ken

[dlr110]

That is one beautiful knife and a great find.

[FRJ]

Nice find, Steve.
It's very fitting that it's in your collection.

[doglegg]

Proud for you Steve. What a great find. What a treasure. One that Ike gave away? I heard he did that.

[Old Hunter]

I just learned a little bit of history and I'm happy for your Steve, no better man than you to have found this knife! OH

[Colonel26]

What an awesome knife!!!

[DM11]

Great score of an awesome knife!

[FRJ]

Here are my two 63 patterns.
No reference to Eisenhower.

[knifeaholic]

Here are my two 63 patterns.
No reference to Eisenhower.

Case started using the "Eisenhower" etch much later, in the mid to late 90's.

[herbva]

Very cool find Steve, and thanks for the history lesson. I am glad that you spotted the etchings before you let that one go. Any chance that one was actually his personal knife?

[msteele6]

Wow! Nice!

[Va Guy]

Great story and find! Will you be having a reprint on your 2nd edition Collecting Case Knives or a 3rd edition any time soon? Love your books!

[Ridgegrass]

That's what we all dream of!

"I LIKE IKE". (Anybody remember that?) J.O'.