Case Tang Stamps: Confused

[XX Case XX]

I'm confused. According to different entities, the familiar Case "XX Stainless" stamp refers to two different time tables:

The familiar "XX" refers to 1940-64, however, some say the added "Stainless" also refers to 1940-64 while others say the added "Stainless" refers to a time period of 1950-64.

Anyone want to clarify?

__________
Mike

[1967redrider]

It depends on how the word "Stainless" appears on the stamp.

[Mumbleypeg]

When it comes to Case tang stamps it’s easy to be confused. One thing to keep in mind is, for stamps used prior to 1965 no one knows for sure the exact dates they were used. There are no existing factory records so they’re all “guesstimated”. Compare the chart John posted with these from other sources.

Collecting Case Knives by Steve Pheiffer

Sargent’s Guide by Jim Sargent

Or this one on the Shepherd Hills Cutlery web site https://www.casexx.com/Library/TangStamp.asp

For example most if not all the Case charts show the Tested XX stamp was used until 1940. But there is fairly conclusive evidence that it was used well into the 1940s. Probably should be changed on the charts but how do you retroactively change 50 years of published documents?

Some good insight about Case’s stainless steel is provided by Steve Pfeiffer in his book. He says during the mid-1950s Case offered only 23 of 140 pocket knife patterns in stainless steel. 17 of them were small pen knives and lobster patterns, the rest were the 4100 and 6296 X melon tester patterns, fisherman and fly fisherman pattens, and the 5347 SHSP SS and 6347 SHSP SS. They expanded the line to include other patterns beginning in 1965.

Look at the knife you have, the pattern number, and conclude from that what you will. That’s about the best you can do, maybe someone else has more to add.


Ken

[1967redrider]

I find this one interesting, for fixed blades.