Case XX 6235 Rough Black NO pattern number

[waggo71]

Just picked this up recently, the swell end jack is one of my all time favorites. I have a number of these but this is the first one I've picked up without a pattern number. I have read that some were made in the XX era without pattern stamps, curious to know if there was any method to the madness or just willy-nilly?

[RalphAlsip]

Some XX patterns from the early 1940's don't have pattern numbers stamped on them. I have XX 65's and 45's without pattern numbers, but am not aware of a formal methodology that would identify which years and which patterns won't be stamped with pattern numbers.

[olderdogs1]

No formula but generally speaking the very early XX knives are the ones lacking pattern numbers. Some say 1948 or so before pattern numbers became regular. That is why a lot of the early knives that have a long pull don't have them as these were earlier knives in most cases. There are many, many exceptions. Hope this helps.

Tom

[waggo71]

Thanks, gents...appreciate the input. Looks like Wartime or right after based on your info.