All About Pocket Knives

I have a friend with this "65" pattern that appears to have had a bale, now missing. He asked me if I thought it was original or altered. My opinion from a close look is that it may have been made with a bale. The wear on the bolster is consistent with a bale ring rubbing. I own two of these "65's", neither has ever had a bale. My question is, did Catt make make some knives of the same patterns with bales and some without ? The old catalog reprints have tang stamp explanations that include a "B" for bale but this small knife barely has room for the 22659 and no "B".
I've seen Catts, one with a shield, another without a shield in the same pattern. So, could Catt have added bales at different times? Thanks for any info or thoughts. J.O'.

Pics: Top 2 = my friend's knife
Bottom = one of my "65's" obviouly never had a bale.

I can’t definitively answer your question, “yes” or “no”. All I can say with certainty is that at one time Case would add a bale to any pattern for a nominal fee when ordered, and stated so in price lists. I see no reason Cattaraugus could not have done the same. It’s also possible someone could have wanted a bale and added one.

Ken

Since it's a smaller knife, maybe someone used it like a watch fob?

Thanks Gents. Interesting stuff. J.O'.