The W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company has a very rich history that began in 1889 when William Russell (“W.R.”), Jean, John, and Andrew Case began fashioning their knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York. The company has produced countless treasures and it continues to do so as one of the most collected brands in the world.
Mumbleypeg wrote:Nice find Tom. IIRC at least one account of the transaction stated that as part of the Case Brothers bankruptcy, W.R. Case bought assets including equipment, as well as the Tested XX trademark. It stands to reason that parts and inventory could have been included as well.
To me that’s what makes the Case story so intriguing. I’m always intrigued by that Case family tree chart in Levine’s Guide showing the various Case family members and the cutlery companies they either founded or operated in various capacities. It takes up two full pages! Here is this family, many of them involved in cutlery businesses and fierce competitors, yet they are brothers, sisters, fathers, uncles, wives, nieces, in-laws, etc - all members of the same family, descendants of Job Case. We know they competed. We also know from evidence that they collaborated, at times making product for each other, and even joint ventures like Kinfolks. It would have been interesting to be a “fly on the wall” at family holiday gatherings.
Ken
I agree Ken, I have studied the relations of the family and their interactions. I tried to touch on a lot of that in my book. I hadn’t heard where WRCase and bought any inventory beyond the XX trademark. That was accomplished to avoid a lawsuit due to Case Bros salesman representing themselves as selling for WR Case & Sons. It was a tumultuous period for sure. My Knife with the two X’s Stamped on the blade says Case Bros all the way though. One of my best friends,Tony Foster is fond of answering my questions with “nobody knows” when I pose him similar inquiries. ::
Mumbleypeg wrote:Nice find Tom. IIRC at least one account of the transaction stated that as part of the Case Brothers bankruptcy, W.R. Case bought assets including equipment, as well as the Tested XX trademark. It stands to reason that parts and inventory could have been included as well.
To me that’s what makes the Case story so intriguing. I’m always intrigued by that Case family tree chart in Levine’s Guide showing the various Case family members and the cutlery companies they either founded or operated in various capacities. It takes up two full pages! Here is this family, many of them involved in cutlery businesses and fierce competitors, yet they are brothers, sisters, fathers, uncles, wives, nieces, in-laws, etc - all members of the same family, descendants of Job Case. We know they competed. We also know from evidence that they collaborated, at times making product for each other, and even joint ventures like Kinfolks. It would have been interesting to be a “fly on the wall” at family holiday gatherings.
Ken
I agree Ken, I have studied the relations of the family and their interactions. I tried to touch on a lot of that in my book. I hadn’t heard where WRCase and bought any inventory beyond the XX trademark. That was accomplished to avoid a lawsuit due to Case Bros salesman representing themselves as selling for WR Case & Sons. It was a tumultuous period for sure. My Knife with the two X’s Stamped on the blade says Case Bros all the way though. One of my best friends,Tony Foster is fond of answering my questions with “nobody knows” when I pose him similar inquiries. ::
Tom
"Nobody knows" seems like a pretty accurate statement when it comes to cutlery.
David
"Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" Meat Loaf
I’m very excited to have picked up this early pre 1920 Case’s Bradford Pa Scout knife . Had one many years ago with the same stamp but this one is in much better condition .
Her is an old Case & Sons Bone Toenail that has a very unusual Tang Stamp on the main blade. I got the knife courtesy of Peanut740 at the Kentucky show this weekend. I let Tony Foster look at it and he had never encountered the slanted Tang stamp stamp either. Probably an early Contract Knife. It is 4 3/8" closed. As some of the ebay sellers say, "the condition is used" I would say "well used!!!"
Chris i woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
Thank Ken & Royal, Here is another pickup from the Kentucky show, a Little Valley Knife Assn. Winterbottom large cigar knife 4 1/4" closed 1898-1903 , like an 06294. This knife has hardly been used at all, was really pleased to acquire it.
lord have mercy, im in shock still! what knives yall got, im jealous!!! heres a WR Case & Sons Bradford PA stockman with waterfall handles. sorry for poor quality pic, i will post better ones when i get home from work and a Case tested era red stag fixed blade i have i guess it might barely be a little newer to qualify for this thread i just love that little knife and hope yall enjoy it? i have posted it before but just in case somebody missed it lol!!!!
Hope you guys dont mind me posting this my 20s era Tested Clasp
Kindest Regards,
Mark
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I Buy/Sell/Trade All Vintage Antique Pocket knives from Junkers to Mint. I am Easy going, so Please shoot me a message ANYTIME!!! l Live & Breath KNIVES Everyday.