W.R. Case & Sons

[lvaughn]

Hi I looked in my books I cannot seem to find this knife, on the front tang stamp it reads W.R. Case & Sons, Cutlery Co. , Bradford PA. On the back tang stamp it reads GS285, Solingen, Germany??? I attached pics sorry they aren't the best. I know its not an old knife. Iam kinda confussed about the Bradford PA and Solingen Germany? Age ? Value? Any info would be appreciated.... Thanks
Leo

[philco]

Hey Leo,
Could that be a repro Case that Parker had made up in Germany? We had a thread on here recently about those knives.
Phil

[lvaughn]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh You are Probably Right Phil derrrrrrrr!! I had a brain fart when I couldn't find it in my books. I will try to find the old post!!
Thanks
Leo

[needbucks]

Yep, when Parker owned Case in 1989 he commissioned some knives made in Germany and that doctor's knife is one. Think they were handled in white composite, goldstone, and mother of pearl. Maybe one other handle. I don't remember exactly but I want to think there were 300 or 400 in each handle. There were only a few patterns made too. I want to say either 4 or 6 patterns. I have seen those goldstone doctors knives like that go for around 50 up to 90 bucks or so.

[lvaughn]

Thanks needbucks
I couldn't find the old post that Phil and I talked about above so I was glad you responded. Price sounds fair I gave like 48.00 including shipping and ins. So I shouldn't be hurt. Thanks again for the info
Leo

[miked32]

i have never held one of those from germany
what is the fit and finish like on those
i would say your not hurting a bit nice knife

[lvaughn]

miked32 I love the Doctor's knives one of my favorite patterns the fit is wonderful although it won't be a EDC it will "fit" fine in a safe and the finish is like a fresh waxed car soft, sleek and shiny
Leo

[woseyjales]

Mike Latham ( collectorknives.net) has some other Case knives from Germany on his site. He may be a source of further info besides what Dennis provided.
I also recall some W.R. Case & Sons straight razors which had Solingen Germany on them which I think were discontinued about 2003.
Searching the background on some of these knives can be as interesting as finding the cutlery.

[jonet143]

from witcher's book. four handle materials of 1000 each.

[Dino_J]

I don't get to add much to this site although I enjoy it every day. I have a different pattern of the four styles of these knives. Mine was purchased as new by my son for my birthday (great kid) back around 1992-1994. On the back of the blade is GS 1051. I have always kept this in a box and it has started to discolor in the handle. Any of the other 4 out there?
Dino

[lvaughn]

Thats a GOOOOOD looking knife Dino! And a good question maybe someone will post the others
Leo

[jonet143]

nice knife dino. looks like the cel is outgassing. you should watch it closely and keep it away from your other knives.

[elwood]

I believe there were four different handle materials, genuine Pearl, Imitation Ivory (white composite), Gold Stone, and Imitation Tortoise shell. I think there were

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at least three patterns that were made: Doctor's Knife, Fishtail knife, and Leg Knife. I have tried to find more information about these in the past. If anyone has some of the original literature about these knives, please post it or point us to it. Thanks

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[jonet143]

welcome elwood! nice knives.

[orvet]

Welcome Elwood.
Great pics for a first post! Nice layout!

Dale

[spacecase323]

i have one of the same knives posted by elwood (the one on bottom) but mine is stamped 71051 above solingen germany can anyone tell me more about it please

[orvet]

Welcome to AAPK sc323!

The thread you posted to was an old thread from 2009.
I don't know much about Case knives, but some of the other folks on AAPK sure do.

If you post pictures of your knives it would really help folks to identify them.

[Elvis]

I can add a few things that may help. The number 7 in the first position indicates celluloid as does the GS which stands for Goldstone. I've had some of the GS knives start to show the first signs of outgassing (discoloring of the bolsters or shield) and used Flitz to bring it back to a shine, then apply a generous coat of Ren Wax and that has seemed to stop it. I believe it seals it and tops further damage if caught in the early stages. If you're seeing green under the handle material it's probably too late to save them and the best thing to do is to separate them from the rest of your knives and arrange to have the knives rehandled in another material. Until you can get the handles replaced, store it alone and in the open position or the blade steel above the handle line will start to go bad. Once the celluiod has started to affect the steel, it's already too late to properly restore the knife as minor pitting has begun. Celluloid is beautiful stuff and had it's place before plastics were invented. Why they use(d) it on modern knives is beyond me.