Case models unfamiliar to me ?

[Ridgegrass]

Picked up two knives today. #1 is a pattern #SS-233, 2-5/8", 2-blade premium, square end Stockman with gold metalflake celluloid. Tang stamp is
CASE over BRADFORD over PA. The pen blade is stamped: CASE over XX over TESTED in an oval.
.
#2 is a 3-1/16" brass framed 10-dot "Lightning" . The scales are inlaid rosewood(?). Second blade tang is stamped 278. Other than the brass frame slightly tarnished, the knife has never been resharpened and shows no use at all.
I've never seen a Case knife like this pattern. Any info would be appreciated. (The NYK Office Knife is just a prop.)

As to the Bradford, does anyone know when it was made. Thanks, J.O'.

[Mumbleypeg]

The first one is a GS233 (GS for “goldstone). Thec33 pattern has been in the Case product line since their earliest days and still is. Commonly seen as a two-blade pen like yours or a three-blade small stockman pattern. W.R. Case & Sons used the Case Bradford stamp from 1914/15 to 1919. These were the first W.R. Case & Sons knives stamped with the TESTED XX trademark, which they purchased from Case Brothers Cutlery in 1914. “Goldstone” is celluloid and has been known to go bad, so put it by itself and keep an eye on it.

Your other knife would be a 7258 which was part of what Case called their “Gentleman’s” or “Executive” Knife line (I don’t recall which). The date code stamp looks like 1980. Just do a search here for “278” and you’ll find a bunch of them with various different handle covers.

Nice finds!

Ken

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks Ken, I thought the Bradford might be old. Early stainless and in nice shape. I'm not up on Case history. They had so many stampings!
BTW< I picked up a nearly mint, 32095 , 9-dot USA Yellow fish tickler with them. Good day! J.O'.

[herbva]

All 3 are great "pickups"! But, for me, the Bradford is really special. Well done!

[1967redrider]

Nice finds, J.O'! I need to go shopping with you sometime.

[Ridgegrass]

Just dumb luck ! Joan and I were talking on the way home. We live in a great collecting area. I always get something on a hunt. I'm glad I don't live where there are no opportunities for hands-on knife hunting. I don't care for e-bay, had a couple bum experiences. Gotta touch 'em and smell 'em. J.O'.

[btrwtr]

Great find on the little GS233!

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks Wayne. Got a Catt. Whittle-Kraft Official Scout with them. Kinda rough but really cheap, couple bucks. Shield side is good so it displays ok. J.O'.

[rea1eye]

I really like that gentleman's knife. Great find!

Bob

[Ridgegrass]

[knifeaholic]

The 78 pattern has been modified - the handles as it left the factory ar the brass handles with engraved design. Someone added the wood slabs - Case never made that pattern with wood handles.

[Mumbleypeg]

Just noticed there is a typo in my post above, where I said the pattern is a 7258. Then in the next sentence I said “do a search for 278”. Obviously the correct pattern number is a 78, not 58.

BTW Case did make a 7278 but as Steve says, it didn’t have wood handle covers. The 7278 had tortoise shell in the early days, and imitation tortoise shell after that. At least I think they were 7278s - I don’t recall ever seeing one with that number stamped on it. The modern ones were just stamped “278”.

Ken

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks, J.O'.