PUMA White Hunter 1960-61 ?

[JonTerry]

Hi guys Bought this the other day, after hours of research I think I have nailed it down to either 196 or 1961.

It has the 6377 above the Puma white hunter etched on blade tip with Genuine Pumamaster Steel Germany under the Puma White Hunter etching.
No etching on Ricasso.
The 6377 model was the first to have the number etched above "Puma White Hunter" and the last to be acid etched, after this the Blades were stamped.

Sheath Dates 1960 as it was the only year the leather thong was used on the narrow belt loop which was made solely for the European market and the last year the narrow belt loop was made.

The typical anomaly that I have now encountered is the Sheath was only made for the 6384 version of the knife ( 8th version circa 1960 ) my knife is etched with 6377 ??


Also the back of the Belt Loop is Stamped DRGM which may be a army issue stamp as they were supplied to the German air force for survival knifes?

I guess over the past 60 years sheaths may have been swapped? or is this a rare oddity blade ??

Totally loving it anyway.


JT

[1967redrider]

Look on the guard to see if there is a number. Then search the AAPK Tang Chart thread to find the Puma chart and you'll know the date for sure. Picture attached for illustration.If there is no number, it's pre-numbering.

[C-WADE7]

Cant tell you much other than it’s a beautiful knife.

[JonTerry]

Look on the guard to see if there is a number. Then search the AAPK Tang Chart thread to find the Puma chart and you'll know the date for sure. Picture attached for illustration.If there is no number, it's pre-numbering.

No Can do mate,

This is a pre 1964 knife which is pre date stamp...... My only hope of dating is with the Acid Etching which is very faint but legible, and the style and branding on the sheath.

I'm at a dead end with my knowledge at the moment.....

JT

[Gunsil]

DRGM is the German equivalent to "design patented", it has nothing to do with any military. The White Hunter was never a military issue knife and in my opinion is a fairly useless design made for and sold to armchair hunters and campers. I have had several, took one camping in the early 1970s, thing was useless except for cutting tent stakes. It was useless for slicing bacon or vegetables and lousy for skinning game. They are quite collectable, bring good money, just not the most useful knife I have owned.