R1123 - Is it authentic?

[RalphAlsip]

Hi, I am new to posting in AAPK forums. Please feel welcome coach me on posting etiquette and protocols if I am not utilizing a forum effectively (topic posted in wrong forum, poor use of pictures, too much information provided / requested, etc.).

If i need to introduce myself and there is a place for that, I would be happy to do it.

I have a few Remington knives that I will post over the next few days. The first one is a R1123 that I bought several months ago. There are some things I like about the knife and some things i don't. I am looking for opinions about authenticity (should this post go in the counterfeit forum?).

You can see from the pictures that the liners are a little misaligned on one end of the knife and you can't see how difficult the knife is to open. It does have very strong snap at half stop and full open. I am wondering if the knife has been taken apart and new blades installed. I was reassured the knife is original by the seller. Supposedly the last time the knife changed hands was at a knife show in 1976 when the seller purchased from Jim Parker. I have already read many comments on AAPK to buy the knife not the story

I am grateful for all comments. Please let me know if there is anything additional I can provide to help you formulate an opinion.

[remington collector]

I would say that knife is not a 100% pre 1940 Remington . The pattern number looks like it was cold stamped with the depth of the numbers varying somewhat. The etched bladed does not have the proper finish. The circle in the tang stamp shows a bit of difference in its depth as well.
The bone jigging does not look exactly like pre 40 either. The fitting of the backsprings to the liners is also a sign that the knife isn't in factory condition.
Most counterfeit Remingtons are fairly easy to tell from the authentics, but as the prices rise, usually so do the counterfeiters ability to produce a close example. As of late there have been some pretty good attempts on the R1123. I believe that yours falls into that category.
We do welcome you to the forum, feel free to post any questions or concerns about any knives you may have. A few of our members have written books about knives and the level of expertise found on this forum is quite high.

[btrwtr]

Hard to tell from pictures and I am far from a Remington expert but:

The pattern stamp looks correct to me.

I don't like the fact that the back springs seem to be roughly refinished. Doesn't seem to agree with the condition of the blades. Might just be the pictures though. Knife possibly refinished and re-etched?

I have seen that type of jigging on R1123s before.

Is it just the picture or is the back of the skinning blade where it would butt to the back spring slightly rounded off?

Is there a separate sliver of metal between the spring and liner or is this a piece of the back spring I am looking at? Could it be a piece of knife blade or tool that was broken off trying to wedge the knife apart?

All in all the knife looks pretty good to me but it is very curious that the back is separated like that. Maybe an attempted repair or modification? I would think anyone capable of producing a very believable counterfeit would also be able to fix that back spring imperfection.

[RalphAlsip]

Many thanks for the comments and interest.

btrwtr, I believe I see what you are pointing out regarding the rounding off of the blade. I uploaded another picture that I hope will clarify. I had not noticed that until you mentioned it. I don't see any extra slivers stuck in the frame. I have a cheap magnifying glass. I have a microscope on my wish list.

I attached another picture that highlights a peculiarity with lanyard hole on the back handle.

[Miller Bro's]

I would like to see a picture of it with the knife resting flat on the back springs, the blades closed looking straight down.

[btrwtr]

In the sixth picture I thought I saw what was a sliver of metal but I believe it is just light showing through the frame.

The arrow is that is at the top of your pic is the rounding I was referring to.

The new closeups help. The bone handles are cut to the bolsters the way they should be. The bolsters are also shaped and cut like they should be on a good knife.

Is that lanyard tube pushed out of shape Like someone tried to remove it? I think possibly a good knife someone messed up trying to alter or customize.

Lets see what others think of it.

[RalphAlsip]

Here is the top down picture. Please let me know if I misunderstood the request. I am happy to provide more if needed.

[Miller Bro's]

It`s the real deal

[RalphAlsip]

Thanks all for the helpful responses. I am a small time collector, but someday (I hope it is a looong time ) my collection will need to get dispersed. Your feedback is logged with the knife.

[Miller Bro's]

Glad to help Ralph, stick around and post more pictures of you knife collection