Wanted one for a long, long time, finally got this sucker. The third in AG Russell's commemorative issues, the Puma Luger Pistole. The first two, as most of you know were the Schrade Kentucky Rifle and the Camillus Granddaddy Barlow, both issued in quanities of 12,000. On this number three, AG moved the numbers produced down (3700), and he kept his future 'Knife Collector Club' offerings either lower or around the same amount. Remember, this was in the infancy of 'commemorative' knives and he and all manufacturers and issuers were learning about the market as they went along.
Nice knive, fit's into my small Puma collection perfectly. In the original green plastic box, and the foam is in good shape. No paperwork, but I don't know if it came with any.
As a little extra for when I figure out how to display this, I got an original ad for the knife taken from an old (1974) issue of 'The American Rifleman' magazine. The basic model of this knife sold for $35 when new (other grades-- a couple hundred low serial numbers with gold etching, ect, sold for much more). There was a grade numbered from 276 to 1975, mine is one of those, that sold for $40.
Commemoratives, how they came about and what they have done for knife collecting, the many successes and the not so great issues is a fascinating subject for me. One thing I have learned: Don't buy commemoratives for future selling at a profit; your mutual funds will do much, much better. But for interesting collecting, I kinda like them.
Phil
AG Russell Puma Lugar
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Gr8Scout
AG Russell Puma Lugar
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johnnierotten
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- Location: Tucson AZ.