It’s sad

[Mumbleypeg]

Here’s another counterfeit Case Tested 5383. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CASE-XX-TESTED ... Sw1A1f2UAy Note the shield which has the open C and “squatty” S which is indicative of U.S.A. and dotted era (1965-1979) knives, plus what appears to be Sambar stag which I’ve never seen on a Tested era knife.

If you read the seller’s description, this guy could easily be me. I bought a supposed Tested era 5383 in the early 1970s, with the same shield and similar Sambar stag, from a well known Tennessee dealer. Had it not been for Jim Sargent and Tony Foster telling me otherwise (and why), I too could be believing to this day the knife was legitimate. Here are the seller’s pictures

Counterfeit Tested 5383

Counterfeit Tested 5383

Interesting that the same seller has another 5383 which is a 10 dot (1970) version. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CASE-XX-STAG-W ... SwzJZf18nn
It’s a legitimate knife. Note the picture of it shows the identical shield as his supposed “Tested” version, and similar stag. The two knives could have been made on the same day.

Case XX U.S.A. Ten dots

Ken

[cudgee]

Here’s another counterfeit Case Tested 5383. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CASE-XX-TESTED ... Sw1A1f2UAy Note the shield which has the open C and “squatty” S which is indicative of U.S.A. and dotted era (1965-1979) knives, plus what appears to be Sambar stag which I’ve never seen on a Tested era knife.

If you read the seller’s description, this guy could easily be me. I bought a supposed Tested era 5383 in the early 1970s, with the same shield and similar Sambar stag, from a well known Tennessee dealer. Had it not been for Jim Sargent and Tony Foster telling me otherwise (and why), I too could be believing to this day the knife was legitimate.

B4509FCF-9861-47C6-A7F5-A9DF763971C4.jpeg
11295ED2-4CB4-4E7F-A349-AE5BCBFA2EF7.jpeg

Interesting that the same seller has another 5383 which is a 10 dot (1971) version. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CASE-XX-STAG-W ... SwzJZf18nn
It’s a legitimate knife. Note the picture of it shows the identical shield as his supposed “Tested” version, and similar stag. The two knives could have been made on the same day.
FD4E562D-980B-47AD-98C6-9276E825BF4A.jpeg

Ken

What hope have us mere mortals got???

[kootenay joe]

Quote: "What hope have us mere mortals got??"
Plenty. If you want to buy a vintage Case knife buy from one of the AAPK members who are knowledgeable Case collectors. Or if you see a 'vintage' Case knife on ebay or elsewhere ask one these Case collectors to assess it for you.
kj

[Mumbleypeg]

“Mere mortals” can educate themselves before laying out their cash for expensive knives. A serious collector of older (especially often counterfeited brand) knives should invest a little of their money in some good reference books and study them. Then you’ll at least know what to look for. Sargent’s American Premium Guide to Knives & Razors, Witcher’s Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery, and Pfeiffer’s Collecting Case Knives are a good start, all resources which were not available 45+ years ago when I bought my counterfeit Tested 5383. And as Roland says, if you’re unsure ask before you buy.

Ken

[1967redrider]

I've got that trio of books, Ken, and several more. They do come in handy for sniffing out counterfeit knives. Maybe your -83 and this one were cranked out by the same "individual?"

[CANTHOK]

Thanks Robo--Great display of comparing these patterns--You guys are "awesome"!!!!~!!!!!!