Pre 1920: need some feedback please!

[In The Dark]

Hello!
I’m a total newbie on this forum. I stumbled upon a knife collection and I’m slowly trying to learn about them. One of them is this old case knife in poor condition.

Questions:
What model is this?
Do I fix the chipped blade?
Do I leave it as is or try and clean up?
Is this collectible in its current condition?

I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide.
Thank you!

[1967redrider]

Looks like a Case Bradford, PA 6233. Nice old knife and to AAPK.

[treefarmer]

In The Dark,
to AAPK!
1967redrider has Identified your knife correctly. Let me add the tang stamp on the mark side is from the 1905 -1920 era however the circular stamp is from the 1914 - 1920 era so that sets the date for your serpentine stockman, at least 100 years old and maybe a bit more. The book says it should be 2 5/8" closed.
Treefarmer

[Mumbleypeg]

Very nice find! Yes it is collectable in its current condition, so be very careful if you do anything to it. It appears to have no actuve rust, just a nice “patina”, which is a thin layer of grey iron oxide. That patina actually retards active rust and many people like its appearance. If you do anything to it I’d recommend just a drop of oil in each joint and lightly oil the blade surfaces. Some oil on a Q-tip will allow you to get it down into the inside of the blade wells, onto the back springs. Beware that too much residual oil captures lint and dirt, which in turn captures humidity/moisture, which of course can cause active rust. So light coating of oil is the key.

Regarding the chipped blade, unless you intend to carry and use the knife I wouldn’t worry about it. If you do carry it you’ll probably want to sharpen it, and repeated sharpening will eventually remove the chip as metal is removed by sharpening. Be aware however that the more a knife is carried and sharpened, the collector value will decrease accordingly.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

[In The Dark]

Thank you all very much for the replies!

I collect gentlemanly things, and I try not to proceed foolishly when I’m in totally unfamiliar waters..

This site is a fantastic resource! The research tool is incredible! I was able to look up the pattern number and look at all the stamps. What a rabbit hole!

I would like as much feedback as possible. The body of the knife is in great condition but the small blade is worn and the main blade has the chip at the tip. I was going to have the main blade fixed/re-profiled, but I don’t want to ruin its value.

[In The Dark]

Ken just read what you wrote - I’ll leave it be.

[Mumbleypeg]

Proceed with caution - old pocket knives can be addictive! So much history in such small, common items.

Ken

[TPK]

Hello In The Dark,

Welcome to the "Light" about knives! Lots of knife knowledgable folks here, (not me) so I hope you find all the answers your looking for & a few new friends along the way. We're glad you came!