All About Pocket Knives

I saw this Camillus for sale and I just figured it need a good home and a GOOD CLEANING....
I looked around the net for an image but couldn't find any with jigged bone scales like this one. It is rusted, worn and in a sorry state right now. These are the sellers pics so these are all I have right now.
Anybody got any ideas of the year of manufacture?
It has that "coke bottle" look but the longest blade is at the wrong end .... Isn't it?
Anyway.... What y'all say?
Mike

Mike, looks like you've got yourself a first generation Camillus 72. Made from 1946 to 1950. Lotta folks around here liking those little babies. Looks to be well worn but it will make a great user. Here's one of mine.

Thanks so much for that reply Greg.
Yep, I sorta felt like it was older but I wasn't sure. I just saw it was in need of a good clean-up and bought it.
I have a soft spot for the older "rode hard and put up wet" knives.....LOL.

Mike

Mike, haven't seen your face much this year. Good to see you're still suckin air.

It is a first generation Camillus 72, made in 1946 or maybe just after the first of the year in 1947. They changed the blade compliment in the spring of '47.

Thanks Jerry.....
Yep, still breathing for a while longer.
Thanks for the date on this old boy.
I'll post a pic after I get it cleaned up.
Mike

Meridian_Mike wrote: I have a soft spot for the older "rode hard and put up wet" knives.....LOL.

Mike

I have that same soft spot. The wear is proof that it has done the job over the years. Great piece!

Knice score bud!

Search ebay for Camillus Whittler bone.....completed listings....you'll find some!

Yep, good suggestion Scott. I see there is a Boy Scout version of this knife. Sweet!

Thanks for the comments everyone!
Mike

Great looking knife. Looking forward to seeing the before/after pics.

Bob

......great old knife, mike, my #2 favorite pattern!!!........ ...................

Cool old knife!

Well, it was sad but I tried to help it's feelings by cleaning it up. The PO had used a grinder on it or something like that..... TERRIBLE!!
Anyway.... Here she is...feeling a little better.
I couldn't do too much work on the blade. There wasn't a lot of steel left.
Mike

..........great clean-up job on that one , mike!!.....doesn't look like the same knife!!!........... ............

Thanks! I went as far as I felt comfortable. It was a mess so I didn't want to do any more damage that was already done.....LOL.
I'm proud to have it in my collection!

Mike

You should be proud sir! That ugly duck, is now a beautiful old knife.
I love them just like that!

Thanks Ken!