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Another I need help with
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 6:28 pm
by Oledadsknives
Got another Coon am trying to determine if old or newer.
Jimbo
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 9:21 pm
by dsutton24
Colonel Coon knives are tough.
The only reliable (I think) indicator of an early knife is the 'Made in Tennessee by Tennesseans' blade etch, that is if 1978 - 88 can be considered to be early

Most knives had a raccoon shield. In '06 the brand was revived by a mail order outfit in Tennessee, mainly made by Queen, the Queen knives having CC shields. I don't know this for a fact, but it's my belief that Bear and son may have made some Colonel Coon knives as Queen started failing. I don't know how to identify these knives, if they do exist.
I don't know about your knife, there's no etch that I can see, and certainly no shield. That doesn't necessarily rule it out as a early knife. How is the overall fit and finish? The originals and Queen made knifes are usually quite good, though Queen had their problems toward the end. Bear and sons can be anything from gems to icky.
I've also read about Colonial and Camillus both having relationships with Colonel Coon, but I've never really figured out what and how. They may have simply supplied parts, it may be simple conjecture.
Edit:
I didn't realize there was a Colonel Coon subforum here (this place is huge!). I hope I haven't made a fool of myself.

Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2022 2:13 am
by Bamarick
dsutton24... That is an original Colonel Coon. Rick
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:19 pm
by Oledadsknives
Thanks dsutton and Rick. Im learning more and more about em. I appreciate y’all’s help in enlightening me on the various makers of the coon knife. The fit and finish is really good on both knives.
Jimbo
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:18 pm
by Rookie
There was a period of time where Queen supplied some parts of knives (either blades or liners or springs) for Adrian Harris, and he did all assembly and finish work in Tennessee. Those, in my mind, are still considered "original authentic Colonel Coon" knives.
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 2:25 am
by Oledadsknives
Makes sense Carl B. Thanks to all for feedback!
Jimbo
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 11:44 pm
by bkazz5
Original for sure
Re: Another I need help with
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:48 am
by Oledadsknives
Bkazz5, appreciate it!!
Jimbo