Early Gerber Shorty Hunting Knife Rare?
Early Gerber Shorty Hunting Knife Rare?
I bought this Gerber Shorty some time ago from an elderly man that used to live in Oregon. He had told me this knife was an early Shorty prototype and very rare. I assume it is just an early version but have not been able to date it. I know it must be early since the names are on the side of the handle but not sure how early. I was hoping someone out there in the big wide web could help me with the history of this piece. Thank you in advance for your help, Aaron
Re: Early Gerber Shorty Hunting Knife Rare?
Early model as seen in the handle design having a flat butt. Much different than later models. The Gerber logo on the handle may have had the number 10 after it but likely obscured now. 1948-1951 date.
If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.
Wayne
Please visit My AAPK store https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/catalog/btrwtr
Wayne
Please visit My AAPK store https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/catalog/btrwtr
Re: Early Gerber Shorty Hunting Knife Rare?
The Shorty was developed as the result of a request from Hale Woolf of Kalispell MT, and regular production began in July 1948.
The truncated handle was discontinued following a lawsuit brought by David Murphy (producer of the knives originally sold by Gerber), and production of the pointed handle designed by Ham Gerber began late in 1951.
According to Levine's #4, two prototypes were prepared from sketches provided by Mr. Woolf. I have often wondered what became of those prototypes, as I have never heard of anyone owning them. I wish your knife were one of them, but it appears identical to regular production examples.
I wouldn't categorize the 1948-1951 production "rare", but they aren't common either.
Your Shorty is about 75 years old, and quite a find. Congratulations on acquiring it.
The truncated handle was discontinued following a lawsuit brought by David Murphy (producer of the knives originally sold by Gerber), and production of the pointed handle designed by Ham Gerber began late in 1951.
According to Levine's #4, two prototypes were prepared from sketches provided by Mr. Woolf. I have often wondered what became of those prototypes, as I have never heard of anyone owning them. I wish your knife were one of them, but it appears identical to regular production examples.
I wouldn't categorize the 1948-1951 production "rare", but they aren't common either.
Your Shorty is about 75 years old, and quite a find. Congratulations on acquiring it.