Case 5172 Bulldog knife, no XX stamping?

[SlingBlade]

I have what appears as an early Case 5172 folder. Did Case ever make this knife without the XX stamping on the tang? I cannot find any hint of it even looking at it at diferent blade positions with a jewelers loupe. Any information on this knife will be appreciated! Thanks!

[Jdub]

It is there. But the bolster is covering it. The early ones are like this.most times you can just see the tops of the X's. nice knife.

[jmam7516]

Your knife does appear to be an older piece. My gut tells me that the bolster is doing an incredibly good job of covering the XX's on a 40-64 era stamp.