Short line Camillus 89... Is it possible?

[Gone2Three]

Howdy friends,
So I've come across this old knife and from the pictures sent it seems like it's in decent shape. My question is how is it possible to have a pre 60 89 model seeing that they were made later on. Or has this one possibly been worked on or modified swapping blades? It looks like bone as well where the other was the Indian stag correct?
Appreciate any feedback on it, cheers!

[Doc B]

I don't have the answer to your question...but, it's a nice looking knife. Looks like stag to me.

[jerryd6818]

It's not in any of the pre-65 catalogs I have access to. It gives the appearance that it's been worked on.

[doglegg]

Sure knice handles

[knife7knut]

It appears as though someone has installed genuine stag handles in place of the faux stag that was originally on there.Notice there is a crack in the handle at the pin nearest the bolster in picture #2 and it appears there is a divot in the stag where someone might have used a drift punch to try and secure the pin.
Also on most stag handled knives I own(and I have more than a few)when the exterior of the knife is buffed there are usually slight depressions in the bolsters adjacent to where a groove in the stag sits below the level of the bolster.This also occurs to a certain extent on jigged bone handles as well.JMHO

[Gone2Three]

Appreciate everyone here chiming in, I thought that it was a unique piece. Definitely something was up with it on the look of the handles
Thanks again for helping me figure this out

[Colonel26]

I have a few 89s (one of my all time favorite knives). They’re all Indian Stag and have long lines. I seem to recall seeing a picture of one other short line stamped 89 blade, but it was in an Indian Stag handled knife as well, it was quite the mystery.

I would just about bet the farm those are not the original scales on that knife. But as to why there are some short line stamped 89 blades out there, I have no idea. But I’d love to get my hands on one.

[Louisville.Boy1947]

If it were me I would just enjoy the the knife regardless

[eveled]

If it were me I would just enjoy the the knife regardless

This is true, but you should know what you are buying.

[edge213]

Did Camillus ever use real stag? I don't recall ever seeing one.

[Gone2Three]

Did Camillus ever use real stag? I don't recall ever seeing one.

If it were me I would just enjoy the the knife regardless

This is true, but you should know what you are buying.

All very true, this is why I turned to our friends here as I'm new to this...
I might have spooked the seller asking too many questions about it... It's been a couple of days and he hasn't responded to my last email.

The stag is what got my attention, well that and the short line stamp both of which threw me...

[GSPTOPDOG]

I just picked up a short-line #89 with Indian Stag ... ... My question also, is how is it possible to have a pre 1960 #89 model seeing that they were made later on? A questions for the experts...

Pictures to follow....

[knifeaholic]

I believe that the Indian Stag line was introduced in 1972.

[GSPTOPDOG]

I believe that the Indian Stag line was introduced in 1972.

Here is an example I just picked up...

[Papa Bones]

I believe that the Indian Stag line was introduced in 1972.

Here is an example I just picked up...

Whatever the answer is, that is a good looking 89 TopDog!!

[GSPTOPDOG]

I believe that the Indian Stag line was introduced in 1972.

Here is an example I just picked up...

Whatever the answer is, that is a good looking 89 TopDog!!

Thanks P.B. it was in a sleeve with a bunch of other "Indian stag" scale knives, some had long-line tang stamps and others short line... but I could only buy a couple as the guy had raised the prices on me and I had already spent a bunch with him the day before. He did not produce any Camillus knives that 1st day, so I missed out on some good ones ... I wish I had taken a picture of the other ones in the collection and to compare tang stamps. ... Maybe 'Ol J.P. will have a better handle on this question.