CASE TESTED PATTERN NUMBERS

[CTAYLORMAN]

It has been a while since I posted a question on here so I am overdue. I have been seriously collecting knives now for only a few years and my passion is the older knives from the early to mid 1900's. I have a particular interest in the Case Tested knives produced from 1920-40 when I can afford them. I have one major problem though in determining the "book value" of these knives. The price guides list pattern numbers for the tested knives but of course the Case Tested knives do not have a pattern number stamped on them. The only way I have been able to tell for sure is to get lucky and find a picture that matches the knife in question but there isnt a picture for every knife listed. How do I determine the pattern number for the Case Tested knives? Does this just come with a significant amount of experience? That doesnt even make sense because there are dozens of different patterns of knives. I know some of the more popular ones by experience such as a folding hunter (5265, 5165 etc) and trapper (6254, 5254) and many others. I know you cannot obtain the true value of a knife by using a value guide book but it at least gives me a general idea whether I am looking at a $50.00 knife or a $500.00 knife. Any help would be greatly appreciated as always. Thank you in advance to everyone!!

[Pen & Toothpick]

I completely understand your pain, I recently found where the pattern numbers were placed on blade sometime in the early 1940's. This was stated in the standard Knife Collector's guide Fifth Edition. I have several Tested knives and never really payed attention that they did not have a pattern number because I was certain what they were.

I stick with the patterns I easily know, from having more newer versions. You should be confident with the patterns you mentioned and getting clues as to the length of the knife and such.

Jim Sargent's book and Steve Pfeiffer's NEW book will help you also.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Do you have a copy of The American Premium Guide To Antique Knives and Razors, by Jim Sargent?

If not, buy the latest edition. It's either the 6th or 7th, I'm not sure.

Jim illustrates a lot of Case knives and has tried to show at least one example of each. He also has a good many line drawing illustrations of the older case knives.

Charlie Noyes

[Elvis]

While I have the books mentioned (and use them a lot), Jim Parker's POCKET KNIFE TRADERS PRICE GUIDE, is a great source of pictures with model numbers, for Case Knives made between 1920-70.

[Knife Nut]

I agree with the points made regarding sources of information from the books already listed. However, I believe it is more important to look at the knives and let them talk to you. There are a ton of fake Case Tested knives floating around out there for some sucker to buy. I love tested knives, but I will only buy from people I know and trust, or if I can physically pick up and inspect, with magnification, a knife in person.

Paul

[Sanders Knives]

I believe that most if not all of the early Case Tested knives had pattern numbers and that a few of the last ones also had numbers. To determine the number of a knife that doesn't have a number I just try to match it up with an XX period knife. If it is a pattern that was never made during the XX period I use the pictures in Parker or Sargents Book. There are also many other good books with pics......Steve

[buckeyefan]

Great information

Thanks Steve

Marty

[buckeyefan]

While I have the books mentioned (and use them a lot), Jim Parker's POCKET KNIFE TRADERS PRICE GUIDE, is a great source of pictures with model numbers, for Case Knives made between 1920-70.

I have the same book by Parker and I agree it is a very good source of information for older Case AND Bulldog knives as well.

Marty