1930's CASE Tested XX - Opinions Please

[OgieOglethorp]

Hello all. I'm an estate liquidator and longtime general antique/collectible dealer who recently acquired a knife that was part of an estate clear out. I ask questions about items to assist me with research, and the elderly lady who was owner of the estate told me this knife was her father's who used it at his work as well as around a small farm. When examining and trying to authenticate an item, I go through a check list to see if things add up; where did it come from? Does the story make sense? Are the parts, materials, craftsmanship, logos, marks, patina, etc consistent with it's age and use? I don't handle that many knives but this one looked right to me until somebody pointed out one problem, do you see it? What do you think? Thanks!

[treefarmer]

The shield is upside down, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I believe that has happened before, even discussed here on AAPK. Looks like a good one to me.
Treefarmer

[RalphAlsip]

Ogie, I believe your knife is a Case Tested XX 51050 SAB. The shield on my knife is different (bow tie vs oval) and that's normal. The shield on your knife has properties of the Case XX era which again is normal. Your shield looks to be pinned onto the handle as it is supposed to be. However, because it is upside down I do wonder if it is a replacement shield? The shield shows no pocket wear, but neither does the rest of the knife. The blade shows age but not heavy use.

The knife looks good to me and the shield is more of a curiosity than a concern in my opinion.

[btrwtr]

The center pin looks pretty well mangled and not spun. Together with the shield I would count two strikes against the knife. The stag also looks to have some rough file marks that travel in several directions. I would like to see the reverse side as well as a view of the top of the knife that shows the handles in profile. Other than the blade I can't say I like it much. Perhaps an old re-handle job.

[treefarmer]

Wayne, on closer inspection, I see the marks on the handle you mentioned. It's amazing what shows up when you enlarge a picture!
Treefarmer

[OgieOglethorp]

Thanks for everyone's input. I see what you mean about the file marks. I'm assuming if somebody "repinned" another handle they might file it down flush to the surface. As a question to learn, would someone go to all that trouble back in the day to rehandle an everyday work use knife with stag? Also, the orientation of the pins to the blade looks correct, meaning another shield would be pinned upside down? I hope that makes sense. Here are some more pix:

[RalphAlsip]

Ogie, after looking at the additional pictures I agree with Wayne's (btrwtr) hypothesis that the knife has been rehandled based on:

1. Stag is a "smidge" too thick for Tested stag. (see picture below)
2. File marks on the stag (Wayne you have a keen eye )
3. Shield upside down and XX characteristics

[Bamarick]

Here's my two cents worth, for what it's worth. The frame and blade look to be original Tested. Handles look to have been replaced with U.S.A./70's Stag, and the shield looks like a XX era shield. It is still a nice knife. As to why it would have been re-handled, maybe it was originally handled with something that was broken or fell apart.
Ricky

[OgieOglethorp]

Thanks everyone, it's been an interesting research project. I appreciate your time and expertise.

[SolWarrior]

Just want to say I was here earlier today. As I watched you all dessected this knfe, I was thinking - what great AAPK team work.

Excellent job, guys!