Case 6251

[salvo]

Hi Folks,

I've been lurking around here for years, never posted, thought I was registered, wasn't, just did,...

I have had an olde Case hobo 6251 for years. There have been a few on here that I've noted.

I just googled one, and the stamps were different from mine. My blade is stamped CASE, in Roman style, over TESTED XX. This on the "outside/scale side of the unit.

The fork is stamped only 6251 on the "inside" of the unit.

After looking closely, it does not match up with the couple of comparables out there right now.

Nothing says anything else. No Bradford. No PA. Nothing else. I'll try for photos tomorrow.

How varied can these stampings be?

Sal

[OLDE CUTLER]

Yes, a good clear photo of the knife would be worth more than 1000 words. Picture of the whole knife as well as close up of the tang stamps.

[rea1eye]

Man, these old Case knives without stamped numbers sure muddy the waters!

Bob

[Mumbleypeg]

How varied can these stampings be?

Sal

We will need pictures of the stamps. If you need help with posting pictures go to the AAPK Tips and Tricks forum.

There are literally hundreds of different stamps used by Case. Knifedb.com has hundreds of photographs of stamps and variations of stamps. Witcher’s book Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery has the most complete collection of authentic Case stamps ever published, that know of.

Which is why I’m always amazed by those who obsess over the stamps and even the slightest variation of a stamp that doesn’t look exactly identical to a stamp that was reproduced by hand by an artist, and published in some book.

During the first half of the 20th century Case made well over 200 different patterns of pocket knives, of various sizes and having various size blades. Stamps were made to fit the tangs of those blades - wide, narrow, large and small. During manufacturing, stamps wore out or broke and had to be re-tooled. All at a time when most folks otherwise didn’t care if a knife even had a stamp at all. Here we are, a century later examining those stamps with a magnifying glass, and wondering about why they’re different.

Ken

[rea1eye]

Case stamps ever published, that know of.

Which is why I’m always amazed by those who obsess over the stamps and even the slightest variation of a stamp that doesn’t look exactly identical to a stamp that was reproduced by hand by an artist, and published in some book. During the first half of the 20th century Case made well over 200 different patterns of pocket knives, of various sizes and having various size blades. Stamps were made to fit the tangs of those blades - wide, narrow, large and small. During manufacturing, stamps wore out or broke and had to be re-tooled. All at a time when most folks otherwise didn’t care if a knife even had a stamp at all. Here we are, a century later examining those stamps with a magnifying glass, and wondering about why they’re different.

Ken

Well said Ken.

I will try to tone down my OCD but I have found as you age it just gets worse.

Bob

[salvo]

Hi Folks,

Hope this goes smoothly. Photos are out of focus, cant SEE stamps, but you'll get the gist.

It looks like a 1920 to 1940, circle A stamp, full length underline over tested xx

Sal

[stockman]

Very nice knife.

Harold

[Mumbleypeg]

Nice knife! That stamp is known as the “Circle C”, “long-tailed C”, or more often just the ”TESTED” stamp. Used between 1920-1945 (post WWII), although most resource books say 1920-1940. The covers are jigged bone, the pattern is referred to by collectors as a “Hobo” knife.

Rather than “Google” you can learn a lot about Case stamps and patterns right here on AAPK, by clicking on “Research” in the header at the top of this page. Scroll down to the section on Case knives where you will find details about stamps they used, patterns they made, etc. For example, here is a screen shot of info there about the 51 pattern Hobo knife.

Ken

[salvo]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the information. Now I got "more of the story". Still getting familiar with Research.

I use this hobo a lot. I go to a lot of not so fancy pot lucks and impromptu food offerings that rely on "what's available" for dinner ware. Plates are no problem, usually, but plastic f&ks leave a lot to be desired. Got one this Friday and another on the 19'th.

I'm bringing a roast ham Friday, at a new (never been there), inexpensive, rustic hall. I take the Case as a back-up and to show off. We take Boker picnic sets. I bring a Bizon carving knife and fork. Diners do the cutting.

Thanks again.

Sal