Please post your opinion on a new purchase

[61apache]

Ok, so here it is. An XLNT+++used knife as described by the seller on Ebay. Pics looked good to me, with wear and stains. I got the knife and and am now questioning its condition, and even in its authenticity.

I am new to the group and to collecting knives and wanted to check with more experienced folks out there if I am being overly cautious or if this one should get tossed back. A little info, 4 inches long, 3 blade cattle knife with punch. No model stamp making it a pre 54 knife, per Price and Zaleskys book.

Your comments will be most appreciated and will help me in my judgement in the future.

[rigwelder]

From what you show,,all I see is a western knife.
Nothing looks wrong with it too me.

[FRJ]

Welcome, 61.

You've got better stamps than I have.
Nice little knife too.

[Elvis]

Welcome aboard 61apache!

I can see in your pictures the concerns that you voice, but from what I know of Western Knives, those small "problems" are pretty much within the quality range of others I've seen. It should still be a good solid knife with good blade steel and even with it's age probably a respectable snap. They just didn't have the fit and finish we've grown accustomed to on all of their knives. I don't know if Wartime production or cost cutbacks were factors, but while their basic sturdy serviceability never suffered in my eyes, I have seen Westerns that didn't seem to meet their standards from what we think of as the norm in the fit and finish department. (Note: All of this is just my opinion based on personal observation over the years.)

[61apache]

Welcome aboard 61apache!

I can see in your pictures the concerns that you voice, but from what I know of Western Knives, those small "problems" are pretty much within the quality range of others I've seen. It should still be a good solid knife with good blade steel and even with it's age probably a respectable snap. They just didn't have the fit and finish we've grown accustomed to on all of their knives. I don't know if Wartime production or cost cutbacks were factors, but while their basic sturdy serviceability never suffered in my eyes, I have seen Westerns that didn't seem to meet their standards from what we think of as the norm in the fit and finish department. (Note: All of this is just my opinion based on personal observation over the years.)

Thanks for your insightful input, I am most likely just being gun shy with Ebay purchases.