What did I bring home?

[treefarmer]

Can some of you Queen experts give me a little help with my "new" prize? 1st, what I think I know: there is the remains of a "9" etched on the mstr. blade. I think this is a #49 Queen. 2nd, the tang stamp is from the 1958-60 era. 3rd, the scales are bone and the knife measures 4 1/4" closed. Am I on the right track? Are the scales what is called "winterbottom"? This knife needs a good cleaning and sharpening and will be an EDC. Thanks for any help . Treefarmer

[1967redrider]

Sweet score!

That's not second cut stag?



EDIT- Queen did a #49 4 1/4" 3 blade stockman in Winterbottom bone according to Sargent's 2nd Edition, Page 231.

[knifeaholic]

Treefarmer;

You're correct on everything...#49, winterbottom bone, late 50's to early 60's. In a way winterbottom bone was bone jigged to look like second cut stag.

The steel used on those was 440C.

[treefarmer]

Thanks for the responses. This old Queen is cleaning up nicely, trying to work some of the scratches out of the blades and the green corrosion from the brass liners. Even without oiling the joints this thing really walks and talks! Once again I realize how nice it is to bring an old, well made knife back into working condition. Treefarmer

[orvet]

! Once again I realize how nice it is to bring an old, well made knife back into working condition. Treefarmer

Watch out Phil, that is how I got started.

Pretty soon you will be selling your collectible knives to buy old knives to restore!






It is a sickness!

[treefarmer]

Here's what the old #49 Queen looks like after a rainy day. There are some deep scratches from improper sharpening that are just going to be there. Personally, I think she cleaned up nice with just emery paper, Brasso and Mothers. Knifeaholic said the steel is 440C and it is VERY hard, the Lansky did a good job on the 3 blades. Limited research on the winterbottom bone says that it was dyed after the jigging so I assume the dye has worn off in the last 50 years. We've had stormy weather most of the day, so it was a good project to tackle. Treefarmer

[Keystone]

Thanks for this perspective. When buying new knives gets too expensive; When you own knives you shouldn't touch, it is definitely time to get hands on a project. Problem becomes choosing among a growing array of EDC knives.

[orvet]

Nice job Phil! Some of the old Queens clean up really nice, though the newer ones I have seen are not quite as appealing to me. I have a couple older ones with carbon steel blades that I like a lot.

[treefarmer]

Thanks Dale. When I first handled this knife, several months ago, I knew it was a good one, but just a wee bit over priced . During several more trips to this big antique store with my wife (under the pretense of looking for green glass objects ), I'd ease by and see if the ol' Queen was still resting in her little castle with the belt buckles, scissors, etc... The manager told us the seller was one that did negotiate and so they contacted her and she took my offer. As one of my old neighbors used to say, "I'm as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine" with this old Queen. Treefarmer