Please take a look at these photos. Are these tang dots?

[Kevin-m]

Thanks in advance for you time and thoughts. I'm obviously new at this. Years ago, my dad left me a number of Case XX knives which were leftover stock from his hardware store.

The first three photos show a Case XX 52087 SSP.
Please look at the THIRD photo. Under the 'CASE XX STAINLESS USA', there appears to be a dot, but maybe it's just an imperfection. What do you think?

Now look at the FOURTH photo of a Case XX 5254 SSP. Is this a dot under the 'CASE XX STAINLESS USA'? It's interesting that when the blade is fully open, the "USA" and dot portion are hidden. Only when the blade is partially open is the 'USA" and dot revealed. Again, is this a dot, or not?

What years do you think these knives are?

I really appreciate your help.

Kevin.

[bestgear]

Thanks in advance for you time and thoughts. I'm obviously new at this. Years ago, my dad left me a number of Case XX knives which were leftover stock from his hardware store.

The first three photos show a Case XX 52087 SSP.
Please look at the THIRD photo. Under the 'CASE XX STAINLESS USA', there appears to be a dot, but maybe it's just an imperfection. What do you think?

Now look at the FOURTH photo of a Case XX 5254 SSP. Is this a dot under the 'CASE XX STAINLESS USA'? It's interesting that when the blade is fully open, the "USA" and dot portion are hidden. Only when the blade is partially open is the 'USA" and dot revealed. Again, is this a dot, or not?

What years do you think these knives are?

I really appreciate your help.

Kevin.

hi Kevin - please attach your photos.

[Kevin-m]

sorry, the photos didn't get uploaded on my first try. I'll try again.

[Railsplitter]

They certainly do look like dots to me. If they are then the 52087 is a 1978. I see an imperfection to the left side that could be mistaken for a third dot but I believe the 52087 only has two dots.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact year on the 5254 because there might be more dots that are hidden in your photo.

[Mumbleypeg]

I agree 1978 on the 87. The red etch on the blade was used in 1978. If it was a 1977 it would have a blue etch.

I’d guess 1977 or 1978 on the 5254. Sometimes you just have to guess based on the position of what is visible. If it has a blade etch, that may also be indicative of the year. 1976 was the “Gray Scroll” etch, 1977 was the “Blue Scroll” etch, 1978 was the “Red Scroll”. 1979 should have the “Centennial 1979” etch.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

[Kevin-m]

Thanks so much for your help. You guys are great.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Kevin