Scoutings Holy Grail

[bestgear]

On Wednesday September 7, 2016 at 3:13pm I received a telephone call from a gentleman from Somers Point New Jersey. The purpose of the call was to verify if I was the individual that had placed a wanted advertisement on the website http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com regarding information about the Remington RS3333 Heroism knife for an article I was writing for Knife Magazine. I said yes, I was the individual that placed that advertisement and from that point forward my world was turned upside down. The caller was the son of a Boy Scouts of America Executive for 40 years serving the greater Philadelphia Area. The travels of a BSA Executive typically lead to the accumulation of memorabilia and amongst his accumulation was an authentic Remington RS3333 Heroism knife. The Holy Grail, The Big Kahuna!

We spoke on the phone a mere 22 minutes but in that time I came to learn that the original recipient of the knife was Harry Berg of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the last known recipient of the heroism knife, number 46 of 46. The BSA annual report lists 1928 for his Gold Award for saving 3 of his sisters from a house fire. A number of revelations were revealed with the surfacing of this knife:

1. I was under the assumption that with Scout Berg being the last recipient of the BSA Heroism knife that he would have been awarded a variation with a round shield however the cutout shield on this knife erases that assumption
2. The name shield on the pile side of the knife is a feature that was previously unsubstantiated
3. I had assumed that the acorn heroism shield was used on all variations and this substantiates that assumption

The only purpose of the call was to make sure that this knife got into the right hands so that others can enjoy its presence and history. I assured him that the knife would be stabilized and preserved in a manner that generations to come would enjoy its beauty and lineage. The caller’s dad was called home at the early age of 57 after making many family sacrifices for the benefit of the Scouting movement and to the enrichment of many youth’s lives. The fact that this knife with found amongst a Scout Executive’s most valued Scouting treasures is a testimony to not only Scout Berg and his family and but to the family for paying this forward. The fact that I can bring it to you here when my pen was down in writing the story is timing that could never be duplicated.

I hope you enjoy this discovery as much as I have. After many discussions with Scout knife colleagues over the last few weeks, we have determined that nothing will be done to this knife other than to lightly remove the rust that has compromised the blades and backsprings. The missing bail, tipped awl, broken can opener and chipped handle will be left as-is, just as Scout Berg took it out of duty service. Eventually this knife will make it’s way to the National Scouting Museum in Irving Texas.

Tom

[peanut740]

Great find.Great story.Well done!

[bighomer]

What a treasure, WOW thanks for sharing.

[Mumbleypeg]

Tom, thank you for sharing the pictures of the knife, and it's history. Looking forward to another Knife Magazine article. The museum is an appropriate landing place.

Ken

[steve99f]

What a great bit of history Tom. Shows you just don't know what surprises may come back to you when you put out an ad.

[Mason]

Truly a fantastic find!!! Congratulations on being the first to uncover what has been up until now an almost mythical knife!!!
Also wonderful to see the accompanying paperwork of Scout Berg and his story.

[knife7knut]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing the pictures and the great story behind it. I am doubly glad that it will be preserved "as is". Now THAT is a knife that should be able to talk!

EDIT: I just noticed that this is post # 5265 for me.Sounds like a "CASE" moment lol

[ScoutKnives]

Awesome Holy grail find Tom and I can't think of a better person to have received and will care for it .

[wlf]

Amen to all comments Tom.

[btrwtr]

Thanks for sharing this fantastic story and knife.

[Quick Steel]

A fine man and his wonderful knife both brought into the present moment by your efforts. Very well done sir!

[philco]

Wonderful news !

[Duffer]

Wonderful story about bravery and a marvelous Remington RS3333 Heroism Scout Knife commemorating a young Scout hero! I think you are spot on in leaving the folder as found and just some minor restoration to eliminate the rust and perhaps deter further deterioration. Congratulations on a most excellent discovery and thank you for sharing it here!! Lloyd

[olderdogs1]

I think that is the reason those of us that collect old knives and knives with a story continue to do it. Great story

Tom

[glennbad]

What an amazing story, Tom! Sadly, this type of happening is becoming more rare. The knife itself, and reason for its' award, that is.

That is wonderful that you were able to acquire it, and be able to tell its' story. I fear that things like this, and the scouting movement as a whole, will be eventually lost to history.

[Paladin]

Amazing! Just amazing!! Both the find and the story! Great stuff!

Ray

[bestgear]

Thank you for the very kind commentary gentlemen - and it's true what they say, the search is better than the find - I'm contemplating my next search and Holy Grail. Look for the Knife Magazine story in early 2017. Tom

[TripleF]

I'm in awe.......absolutely amazing.

Thank you for sharing that knife and his spirit with us!

[Tsar Bomba]

The sneak preview and the guided tour through Remington and scouting's history is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to the published article and hoping for some nice glossy photos.

[bestgear]

Yesterday I had the great opportunity to meet the son of the BSA Executive in person in my neck-of-the-woods. During the course of that encounter we spoke at length about his fathers contribution to Scouting and how pleased he would be to know that this knife was making it's way to the National Scouting Museum. As we were saying our good-byes, my wife spoke-up about the impact this discovery has had since the day that the it was made known. As she continued to speak, a tear rolled down my new friends face, not one of sadness but rather pure elation that this little knife, 90 years after it was made, was still making a difference in someone's life. To me, it was the crowning moment of an already over-the-top happening.

To lighten the moment, my new friend asked me, "sorry to end your lifelong journey, but now what are you going to look for". This will be pondered for some time over a fine glass of whiskey. When (and if) I have an answer I will let you all know what it is.

[bestgear]

The saga continues but doesn't end here........if your not a subscriber you should reconsider.

[stockman]

Tom really nice job on this story, its one I will keep on the top of my pile of Knife World and Knife Magazine. I have a few I keep handy for my research.

Thanks
Harold

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks for sharing the great news Tom. My July issue hasn't arrived yet, but I can't wait! (Guess I'll have to though).

And for those who don't subscribe to Knife Magazine, you should. Formerly known as Knife World. Subscription is the only way you can buy it. But they'll send you a free issue if you're unsure and want to try it before sending money. http://www.knifeworld.com

Ken

[wazu013]

Mine came in today's mail. Really nice

[LongBlade]

Big Congrats Tom on the article ... Just got my issue of Knife Magazine today - wonderful article - very well written and indeed an enjoyable read!!! As an aside I was going to start a thread to congratulate you but before doing so I wanted to make sure this wasn't already posted, and sure enough I found this thread that I had missed... again way to go buddy!!!

Best to you!
Lee