What did I find?! Case Little Valley

[zoogirl]

I picked this up at the Cloverdale swap, along with the Pal Brand two bladed pen that I went for and a little gold coloured item with scenes of deer moulded on the scales. I think I paid $25 for the lot.
This knife just screamed ‘old’. The bone is cracked on one side but it’s all there and beautifully pocket worn.

As you can see, the ‘Case’ part of the tang stamp is mostly gone, but the Cutlery Co and Little Valley are quite legible.

Could this actually be a pre 1912/1914? Wheee, would I love to have a dateable knife that old!

Anyway, I really like it and I’m not going to be sorry I nabbed it!

[ScoutKnives]

Cattaraugus not a case .
Beautiful old knife .

Mike

[zoogirl]

Well, darn! Any idea on age? Oh, and thank you!

[Doc B]

I wouldn't say darn...Catt's are very collectible. I think you found a great knife...for a great price. Looks nice!!!
The Cattaraugus Cutlery Company began as the New York distribution company J.B.F. Champlin and Son, founded by John Champlin and his son Tint in 1882. The Champlins expanded into knife production, and along with William R. Case and his brothers, they formed Cattaraugus Cutlery in 1886, based in Little Valley. The company hired expert cutlers from Germany, England, and other U.S. manufacturers, to produce high quality cutlery. Admiral Byrd selected Cattaraugus knives to take on his expedition to the South Pole.
Over time, the Case family separated from Cattaraugus to form W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., incorporated in 1905. Cattaraugus closed business in 1963.
Hard to pin times...but earlier than 1963...maybe someone else can help.

[doglegg]

Now Ann, keep your darning for the sock drawer, that is a pretty great old knife. Worn yes, cracked yes but not a youngster. I would be pretty excited if it were my find. Congratulations, I think you did pretty good.

[Gunsil]

Catt began making knives earlier than Case did, and there are many who consider Catts to have been better made knives than Case.

[Old Folder]

Your "Richards" are going to be very jealous Ann.

[zoogirl]

Oh, they are! I don’t even mention my old A Field around them, or “Honey” the three blade Italian Stock!

[rugmar]

Congratulations zoogirl!!! Great find! I love the old Cattaraugus brand. Definitely one of my favorites and in a great pattern with a nice shield. I’m jealous.