Strange Double Western Set

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
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RIKKN
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Strange Double Western Set

Post by RIKKN »

A few months ago a guy dropped off a box of knives he did not want. There were a few cool ones, including this set, which I can't really find any info on. I have not cleaned or even wiped them down. I am a collector of military weapons, this set is not in my realm of knowledge..... Tell me about them please !!
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Madmarco
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Re: Strange Double Western Set

Post by Madmarco »

I can't help with the identification of your knive RIKKN, but ::welcome:: to AAPK! 8)
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btrwtr
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Re: Strange Double Western Set

Post by btrwtr »

Nice looking and hard to find twin set in original sheath. Came in Winter bottom bone as well. Some sets had a scaler back larger knife instead of the version shown. Member zzyzzogeton can probably help with this.
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Gunsil
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Re: Strange Double Western Set

Post by Gunsil »

That is a gorgeous hard to find set! I'm sure ZZZY will be along shortly to give you all the known info on them.
RIKKN
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Re: Strange Double Western Set

Post by RIKKN »

What is the set known as ?
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zzyzzogeton
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Re: Strange Double Western Set

Post by zzyzzogeton »

Somehow, I missed this thread.

Since this set is in a RIGHT handed sheath, that setup was called a "Twin Set" in the 1959-1960 catalog advertising literature.

I have not determined if this set was available prior to 1959 or when it was discontinued. It was NOT in the 1968 catalog.

The Twin Set, consisting of a 48B pattern and a 28 pattern knife set, was available in 3 handle combinations -
the L84 with leather handles, the P84 with red or ivory tenite handles, and the 684 with bone stag handles.

I have seen the P84 with both knives having red tenite handles, both having ivory tenite handles, and sets where one or the other knives was red and the other white.

Obviously, the OP set is a 684 version.

This knife combination with a double sheath was also available per the 1950 catalog. However, the pairing was called a "Combination 84" at that time. The knives were the 48BGG and 48CAP, the former being forerunner model name of the P48B. The latter apparently disappeared before model numbers were instituted in 1954/1955.

The Combo 84 set was only available with "plastic" handles - orange, red or ivory "plastic" handles. The sheath was left handed and the embossing was not the "oak leaf and acorn" embossing many folks associate with Western sheaths. In this case the embossing was a floral pattern.

I have never encountered a Combo 84 with an orange handle knife of either model.
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