Help me identify what year this knife was made

hangokid11 · Post by **hangokid11** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:55 pm

pls look at http://cgi.ebay.com/Imperial-Prov-R-I-U ... dZViewItem i asked the seller when it was made, he didn't know. I have the same exact knife.

agteacher2 · Post by **agteacher2** » Fri May 12, 2006 8:16 pm

If it is stamped as stated in the title "Imperial Prov. R.I. U.S.A." It was made sometime between 1954 and 1988. I know that really doesn't narrow it down very much.

Someone else may have a better date.

Jeff

knifeaholic · Post by **knifeaholic** » Mon May 15, 2006 9:50 pm

I have no documentation on this, but just based on experience, I think that the "crown" type shield was used maybe from the early 70's until Imperial ceased production in the USA circa 1983.

glennbad · Post by **glennbad** » Tue May 16, 2006 11:25 am

Hango,

As you may know, these shell-handled Imperials for the most part do not have great collector value. However, that may not always be true. These knives are harder to keep pristine, IMHO, they tend to rust easier, get dented, or the wraps peel.

Aside from the tinny shell handles, I find them to be a pretty good knife. The springs and blades perform well for the price. And speaking of price, they can be had for low dollars. I find them fun to collect, with so much variety.

Enjoy,
Glenn