W R Case and Sons Proto Whittler

[cohuttatrading]

Hi, I am really more of a lurker than poster, but I would like some info on this knife. I mostly buy to resale, and I got this in a collection. My name on ebay is about the same as here. cohutta_trading. Any help would be appreciated. I do not want to sell something and misrepresent it. This is one very solid knife, I think it will stay in my hold backs for a little while. I really like it a lot. The picture of the tang is the best I can get the bolsters block the view. The number is best I can make out is 63043K. Both the secondary blades read, CASE BROS. TESTED XX BRADSFORD PA. Thanks in advance for the help. Tim

[bonehead]

I can't say for sure But my gut says not a proto. The master blade has also had some welding done as well..... BH

Do you have a C.O.A.? It possibly could be the Thanksgiving Harvest Proto 63043 1/2

[cohuttatrading]

Thanks for the comment. I was questionable about the proto, but the blade is solid. It must be a shadow on my photo.
Tim

[wazu013]

That looks like one of the many Case Classic protos that are littering the knfe collecting trade. I'm sure one of the Case Classic people will bring it into focus for you. In the mean time keep it away from other knives because the handles look like celuloid which can be gassing out as I type. That will corode any metal around it.
I took a closer look at your knife and it does look like it's gassing out already. Look where the handle meets the bolster. It looks like shrinkage

[cohuttatrading]

Thanks for the advice. I have separated it from the others. I had a Fighting Rooster Gas Out on me once. Luckily it was on its own as well.

Tim

[Elvis]

The model of your knife should read 73063 1/2. The fact that the blade has a "6" in the first position (which indicates bone) but has Celluloid handles is a clue that it IS a Prototype. Many of the Case Classics had the word "Prototype" spelled out in script on the back side of the master blade, but the 063 1/2 model Proto's were marked on the bolster just as yours is. Jim Parker started the Case Classics program when he owned W.R. Case & Son's and I'm using the book on them he wrote as reference. Also, that particular color of celluloid isn't shown for that model in the book which furthers my belief that it is indeed a proto. And the "K" you're seeing may be part of the 1/2 as there is no "K" listing shown in the book. If the knife didn't come with a Certificate of Authenticity, you can obtain one (for a price) from Parker's Knife Collector Service or the Case Classics Club which is well worth the price of membership if you are planning on collecting any more of these (or would like top dollar upon resell).

[cohuttatrading]

Thank you. All I know is I could not find anything on it. It is pretty, but very odd.
Tim

[Classic Case]

On top of what Elvis had to say, I'll add that I believe the handle material is called "Cranberry gold swirl".

[Agreer]

What does gassing out mean? New to collecting.

[Old Hunter]

Agreer, Out-gassing is when a material gives off a fume of some sort - normally associated with bad results (i.e, Chinese wallboard). Here is an extensive article about the out-gassing of celluloid used as handle material in pocketknives - celluloid can be stable for years prior to decomposing (out-gassing occurs during decomposition). OH

http://www.knifeworld.com/cefimabydeel.html