The Case XX stamped 6296X "Citrus Knife" or "Melon Tester" is a fairly scarce pattern to find. Last year I bought a nice red bone example on Ebay, from someone (not a knife collector) who is located not far from me here in Massachusetts. Since I almost never find any Case knives around here, and since this pattern is unusual to find (especially since we have never been known for citrus growing around these parts), I asked the seller about where he had gotten the knife. He told me an interesting story, and recently he was kind enough to forward a photo (his email below tells the story). I thought I would post this since its rare that we ever have the opportunity to get a back story along with a knife.

His email:

Steven,

Awhile back you bought a case pocket knife from me. I mentioned it had belonged to my grandfather Harvey P. Hood of the milk company. I have been sorting through family photos and came across this one. My grandfather is the one holding the oranges and the knife you now have, My grandmother is on his left and my mother is on his right. I am not sure who is on the left but I think he was the manager of the Hood orange groves in Florida. I thought you might like this to keep with your knife.

All the best,
Dave

The photo he sent is below along with photos of the knife.

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Steve Pfeiffer, author of Collecting Case Knives: Identification and Price Guide released October 1, 2009.

Neat story Steve.

I don`t see him holding the knife though

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Read The Jigged Bone Handles
If It Has A Cutting Edge I Probably Collect It
AAPK Janitor #3607

This photo may show the knife better.

Nice knife!

Neat story and pic

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I dig half stops!!

Brian

Now I see it

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Read The Jigged Bone Handles
If It Has A Cutting Edge I Probably Collect It
AAPK Janitor #3607

Awesome, thanks for posting, Steve.

I always wish there was a way for old, vintage knives to talk. With what you have been provided, this knife kind of does get to tell its story.

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Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

You're going to look pretty silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter

Very nice post Steve, and an awesome knife.

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Life would be meaningless if we couldn't wish for anything.

Great knife, great story. Makes it very special.

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Rick

Always looking for custom knives made in Montana.

AAPK #9213.............and proud of it.

Too Cool!!!

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I measure my collection by the ton.
Whoever dies with the most tools wins......Now accepting donations.

That's a great story about an iconic dairyman from my youth.
thank you,

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H.P.Hood & Sons Lynn Massachusetts. Remember them well when I was growing up in Saugus(the next town) seeing their ivory colored DIVCO milk trucks with the red lettering delivering milk around town.Didn't recall until now that they sold orange juice as well. Great story Steve and definitely a keeper;thanks for sharing it.

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Adventure BEFORE Dementia!

Great story. Makes the knife more meaningful. Thanks for sharing.

I know that West Lynn Creamery (now Garelick) is in Lynn (largest volume dairy plant in the country so they told me when I did work there once). I thought Hood was in Chelsea? I know that local traffic reports still refer to backups "by the Hood plant" even though they moved out of that building. Last I heard Hood's processing plant is now in Agawam.

Frankly I notice Garelick's products in stores but I don't recall seeing Hood products. I will have to look at the brands more closely when I go shopping.

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Steve Pfeiffer, author of Collecting Case Knives: Identification and Price Guide released October 1, 2009.

_________________
Read The Jigged Bone Handles
If It Has A Cutting Edge I Probably Collect It
AAPK Janitor #3607

That is a great story knifeaholic and a beautiful knife to boot. I am so glad that you were able to get the picture. Just one of the little pieces which make a particular knife's story great.