Extra holes in Scales of Case XX USA V5220 Bearhead Peanut

[Gumshoe]

I recently purchased a near mint Case XX USA V5220 Barehead Peanut and the scales have an extra hole in the same place on the Mark side and the Pile side. There is no pin in these holes that stop at the brass liner. My question is, what is the purpose of these two holes? They appear to be original from Case.

[just bob]

Look at these;

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... tern-v5220


https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CA5295 ... v5220-1-ss

https://www.caseknifeoutlet.com/proddet ... 087B0D2D09


https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 1671196439

[Mumbleypeg]

The standard 5220 pattern has a cap bolster. The V5220 barehead was pinned at the end where the cap bolster would normally be located. Those I have seen have the same “blank” extra pin hole as the OP knife. My guess is somehow the factory accidentally drilled the covers for the V5220 with the “normal” 5220 hole placement. Since stag is scarce they used it anyway, rather than scrap it. That's just a guess.

For reference, in addition to the examples Bob posted, here’s a picture of a V5220 from knifedb.com.

Ken

[Gumshoe]

Thanks for the replies. Ken, for what it's worth, I was speculating the same as you - why waste a nice piece of vintage stag that had been pre-drilled. Thank you. Mark

[Reverand]

I agree with what happened. What I don't understand is why they didn't go ahead and put a pin in the hoke anyway.
I would be temped to pin it if the knife were mine, just to make it look right.

[herbva]

I'm glad the mystery has been solved. Now, if it was my knife, I would just patch the holes with epoxy and forget that they were ever even there.