1920-1940 Remington Knives

boykinlp · #1 05-19-2022, 07:38 PM

I am hoping to acquire one of these in the near future. The jigged bone handles of the Remingron knives from this time period are second to none. I know other companies made them later, but I am interested in the originals. Please show me what you have so I can start my drooling now!

Larry

30-30remchester · #2 05-19-2022, 08:12 PM

Spending 40 years collecting antique knives I have acquired a few. Remington's of that era are stunning and one of my top ten antique folders. For those that don't know, the newer Remington's are not Remington's. Most were built under contract by Camillus. Nice knives but not near the quality of older real Remington's. So, what exactly is your preferences? Stockman's, whittlers, Barlow's, cattle knives, ticklers? Original bullet knives are pricey. Then there are the "6". These are the wholly grail of Remington's. I was fortunate enough to acquire one of the 6 a few years ago. A stag handled small muskrat bullet knife. A near mint example sold for $9,600 a few years ago. Mine is not mint by any standard but I was able to find it in an old painter toolbox. I paid a whopping $3 for it.

boykinlp · #3 05-20-2022, 03:01 AM

30-30remchester, glad you jumped in here. I am not very knowledgeable about Remington knives at all. I am more a Sambar Stag Case and GEC guy. That is why I am coming here for information.

I have just been cruising the internet learning about them, and when I kept seeing picture after picture of spectacular jigged bone knives, I kinda got hooked. As far as my preferences go, I don’t really have any. Their bullet and scout knives are cool, but if they are nice jigged bone, I would like to see them! Above, you mentioned “the 6”, I have no idea what they are. Please enlighten me, and even though your muskrat bullet is Stag, and not jigged bone, I would love to see a picture of it and any others that you would like to show . Remember, I said my first love is stag.

I would like to acquire one, but haven’t yet. Hopefully, with this large a forum membership, we will have some others wanting to show us what they have!
Larry

30-30remchester · #4 05-20-2022, 11:24 AM

BOYKINLP, it is nice to talk with a fellow antique knife guy. Early Case, xx and earlier, was my main focus for decades. Old Remington's were hard to find in my area. In my early collecting days, I believed W.R. Case and sons and Case Tested's were the elite "Snap-On" of the knife world, I have come to the conclusion there are some other outstanding brands. And ordinary brands that did outstanding work. Case could not hold a candle compared to early Remington bone stag. Those early Remington's with their dark brown bone stag has me weak in the knees. One thing I always looked for as a way to determine quality and care and pride of manufacture was the blade design itself. And in many cases, Case fell short by simply stamping out a flat blade with small nail nick and lack luster shape. Remington stood head and shoulders above most all others of their day. Their early long spear blades with cut swedges, and often not only on the main blade but even the smaller blades, and long pull was sexier than any girl in high school. When a manufacturer goes the extra mile to sculpt blades is my mark of excellence. Weird side note, that extremely rare stag handled baby bullet muskrat doesn't have sculped blades just flat stamped. As for the "6", this refers to 6 Remington's that are ultra-rare and very valuable. Without my books to remind me I can recall a few. One was the afore mentioned baby bullet muskrat #4466. Another was a bullet knife called the H.T.T. for hunter , trapper, trader, then their was a 5 blades sowbelly. Those are the ones that come to mind at present. My early interest was bone scales only. Now I lean towards odd US manufactures and fancy celluloid scales. There are some beauty's out there. I find myself carrying of all things, a very early Imperial, don't judge, serpentine stockman with cut swedge main blade, long pull and with scales I can only describe as linoleum. Green and black and looks just like the flooring in grandma's kitchen from the 1930's. Nickle bolsters and shield, with brass liners. Quality all the way and the steel is superb and easy to keep shaving sharp.

SmithNut · #5 05-20-2022, 11:31 AM

Fascinating discussion about Remington knives, never paid any attention to vintage models....

If possible, can you post pics of the "6" or other Remington vintage models, I'm curious as to what they look like in case I ever run across one at a garage sale.... (I know - fat chance..

)

Thanks, in advance

30-30remchester · #6 05-20-2022, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut

Fascinating discussion about Remington knives, never paid any attention to vintage models....

If possible, can you post pics of the "6" or other Remington vintage models, I'm curious as to what they look like in case I ever run across one at a garage sale.... (I know - fat chance..

)

Thanks, in advance

The problem I have in posting pictures on the net is I am completely computer, electronics challenged. If I knew how to scan a picture from an old book, then transfer to the net it I still wouldn't be able as I don't own a scanner. Fortunately the newer Remington's made by Camillus have recreated some of the 6. Google search R293 and that is the bullet HTT knife. 4466 is the baby bullet muskrat I have in original form. Then there was a humpback lock blade splitback whittler #R 6816 that in mint original form cost more than house payments. At least two of the remaining 3 were iterations of their bullet line of knives. All older bullet knives bring good money. Some bring far more than others. The last of the 6 was a 5 blade sowbelly. There is even one example of an old Remington bullet knife that did not have the 30 caliber rifle cartridge as a shield but instead had a handgun cartridge shield, a 45 ACP. Only one known example has been found.

As to finding a rare one at a yard sale, I have done so on several occasions. Just this week I sold a knife I paid $20 for at a small local gun show, to a collector back east for $1,500. I have several other examples of such finds and resales over the decades. My original 4466 was found in an old house painters tool box in a second hand store, all covered in paint and costing the princely sum of $3 plus tax.

sceva · #7 05-20-2022, 08:40 PM

The Remingtons from that time frame are great. Winchesters from the same time frame were also very nice with great jigged bone which they called stag for some reason ( they called real stag Genuine Stag)

Here is a 1920's Winchester Senater.

Ol' Drover · #8 05-20-2022, 09:03 PM

I am also a fan of the old Remington knives. This big Trapper, R1128, belonged to my Grandpa and dates to the middle 20s.

It was a gift to him from his brother who was a Texas cotton buyer. You can see where the cocobolo wood on the left side is worn away from his custom of stabbing the knife into a bale of cotton and then bending it back against the steel band to pry out a sample.

That probably would decrease the sale value of it but it's not for sale anyway. The old M&P in the picture shipped in 1923 so I thought it was a good match for the knife...and I'm also a fan of jigged bone.

30-30remchester · #9 05-20-2022, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Drover

I am also a fan of the old Remington knives. This big Trapper, R1128, belonged to my Grandpa and dates to the middle 20s.

It was a gift to him from his brother who was a Texas cotton buyer. You can see where the cocobolo wood on the left side is worn away from his custom of stabbing the knife into a bale of cotton and then bending it back against the steel band to pry out a sample.

That probably would decrease the sale value of it but it's not for sale anyway. The old M&P in the picture shipped in 1923 so I thought it was a good match for the knife...and I'm also a fan of jigged bone.

I have one like that only it is Remington's dark brown bone. Neat old bullet knives. Too big for me. The few times I carried it in my pocket, it pulled my pants down.

Flattop5 · #10 05-20-2022, 11:41 PM

Old Remington:

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30-30remchester · #11 05-21-2022, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flattop5

Old Remington:

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Nice old R1253L bullet knife. Wish I owned that, and you had a better one. Some previous owners initial on the bullet shield is a little off putting.

boykinlp · #12 05-23-2022, 02:45 PM

I haven’t gotten my 1920-1940 jigged bone Remington knife yet. I thought I would get it today, but no joy. But I did get my first vintage Remington knife period. It is a Genuine Pearl Model R7854 Equal End Senators Knife from about 1935. While not perfect by any means, I think it is pretty nice, and the definition of a”gentleman’s” pocketknife. The pearl is so smooth and the knife feels great in hand. Unfortunately, my pictures don’t show the iridescence of the pearl well at all.

Another thing about Remington knives is that you have to watch out for knives called vintage. I consider vintage to be the 1920-1940 knives, not the ones made in the 80’s or 90’s. But some people consider 80’s and 90’s vintage.
Larry

pawngal · #13 05-23-2022, 07:35 PM

Too bad you didn't ask about the old Remington knives 2 or 3 years ago. My late hubby had about 40 from that era but I've sold all of them. Don't remember how many were the jigged bone. Probably were more that were pearl handled.

30-30remchester · #14 05-23-2022, 08:16 PM

Nice old Remington. We call them Sunday knives. MOP scales are quite fragile and weren't meant for everyday hard work. Many old MOP scales have started flaking. Yours appears to be in excellent condition. There aren't many larger work knives with MOP scales. I found a medium stockman made by Shapleigh that has MOP. That is the bigger I have seen up close. One other reason I like vintage Remington's is the steel they use. Easy to get shaving sharp. By the 1950's I have a difficult time getting Case knives as sharp as many others.

chief38 · #15 05-24-2022, 08:21 AM

Although I do (as of last year) carry a Spyderco K390 Delica, my real likes go out to traditional folding pocket knives. That's mostly what I have, although in the move we just made some were lost or stolen. In my mind, traditional folders are real history. The modern folders are nice in that they are easy to open & close one handed but they will never have the charm of a traditional folder.

30-30remchester · #16 05-24-2022, 10:00 AM

Like CHIEF38, I greatly admire and collect antique folder. I have and entire shelf of a hutch full to overflowing with vintage folders and I still don't have enough. And like chief my main carry is a Kershaw Leak and use it multiple times per day. I do have a smaller traditional folder for delicate work.

boykinlp · #17 05-24-2022, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

Although I do (as of last year) carry a Spyderco K390 Delica, my real likes go out to traditional folding pocket knives. That's mostly what I have, although in the move we just made some were lost or stolen. In my mind, traditional folders are real history. The modern folders are nice in that they are easy to open & close one handed but they will never have the charm of a traditional folder.

I have a Spyderco Delica too that I use quite often. But, like you said, it just doesn't give me the same feeling as when I hold my "new to me" almost 90 year old Remongton Pearl gentleman's knife.
Larry

boykinlp · #18 05-26-2022, 11:43 AM

Well, I told y’all that I wanted to get a jigged bone handled Remington knife. For quite a while I have also wanted a vintage scout knife. I was able to kill 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. Here is my “new to me” knife showing the important markings, and related information. The second picture shows the Boy Scout insignia with their motto "Be Prepared" underneath.

Antique REMINGTON UMC 1920-1940 RS3333 Official BSA Scout Knife Bovine Bone

Original antique Remington knife made in the USA. Official BSA Scout Knife pattern #RS3333, 3-3/4” closed (plus bail). REMINGTON UMC - 1920 to 1940 era. Marked on the spear and punch blades. Two piece can opener is marked REMINGTON over a patent number. Nickel silver bolsters and pins, brass liners. Milled or gimped center liner. Jigged bovine bone handles, dark color. The front handle has a tight fine line under the center pin. All blades are full, have strong snap, and no wobble. A used knife – carried and very lightly sharpened. The main spear blade has a faint remnant of the OFFICIAL BOY SCOUTS etch remaining. The punch blade has the original bluing inside.
Larry

boykinlp · #19 05-26-2022, 11:46 AM

Here are some more pictures. In the first picture, you can see the bluing in the punch. In pictures 2 and 3, if you look closely, you can see the remnants of the Boy Scout markings on the blade. It is not in perfect shape but for around 100 years old, I think it looks pretty good!
Larry

IamCaleb · #20 05-26-2022, 12:02 PM

That’s a cool oldie!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

boykinlp · #21 05-26-2022, 12:11 PM

Here is a picture that I just found on the internet that shows what the Boy Scout inking on the blade looks like. Just wanted to show y'all what it should look like on my knife. If I understand correctly, it is an actual inking and not an engraving, so that is why it is so fragile. Apparently, even aggressive cleaning can remove it.
Larry

failbot · #22 03-18-2024, 07:47 AM

Hi, I haven't written here for a long time. I recently discovered these old Remingtons and they are great. Now I'm looking for an old catalog from 1930, it's called C-5 and it was reprinted in the 60s, does anyone have it or their other catalog C30?

30-30remchester · #23 03-18-2024, 12:20 PM

Over the years of acquiring anything there are odd un-identifiable objects. Remington's had pattern numbers on most but not all. Many common patterns were "premium" knives. Not the premium as in cream of the crop but premium as in a gift. During the depression era many companies would offer incentives to buy their products and pockets knives were common premiums and Remington's were often given. Remington also would sell quantities to companies who would request certain blades and styles for their particular needs. These often had no pattern number and are different than any other produced for sale thus making them difficult to identify. I acquired such a knife pictured below. For 20 plus years I have been trying to identify this Remington. No pattern number and unusual diamond shield with the inscription worn enough to be un-identifiable. Yesterday on a pocketknife forum, a new member found a near mint such knife with the inscription readable and thus was able to identify my knife. His identifiable knife shield was marked "Halafax Explosives". A company founded in 1935 that commissioned this pattern of knife. Remington quit the cutlery business in 1941 so it is easy to date this folder. Their advertisement for this knife stated that the long sheepsfoot blade was for cutting powder. Twenty years of unsuccessful research has been concluded by a new member to knife collecting.

30-30remchester · #24 03-18-2024, 02:02 PM

The below knife is a premium knife from Purina Feeds. A gift for purchasing a certain number of products . Main blade is a long pull with double cut swedges. Knife has brass liners, German silver bolsters and shield and stunning bone stag scales. And this was a giveaway knife. Far cry from present day plastic junk.

Flattop5 · #25 03-18-2024, 05:58 PM

Three other great, old knife brands are:

Early Schrade (the peach-seed bone is amazing), early New York Knife Co., and early Cattaraugus.

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30-30remchester · #26 03-18-2024, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flattop5

Three other great, old knife brands are:

Early Schrade (the peach-seed bone is amazing), early New York Knife Co., and early Cattaraugus.

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While I have several in the brands you mentioned, New York Knife company folders make me weak in the knees. Definitely among the best folders ever made commercially.

ordnanceguy · #27 03-23-2024, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by failbot

Now I'm looking for an old catalog from 1930, it's called C-5 and it was reprinted in the 60s, does anyone have it or their other catalog C30?

Welcome back, Failbot:

The reprint of the C30 catalog is available on the used book market in the USA. There are currently 2 examples for sale (not an auction) on the ABEbooks.com site. Here is the link: Remington Cutlery Catalog by Remington Arms - AbeBooks

Regards,
Charlie

M_conrad_0311 · #28 03-25-2024, 10:57 PM

Tom Ploppert made a real beautiful 6816 custom for the Texas Bade show. I love this pattern!

Papa Lee · #29 03-26-2024, 11:42 AM

I used to collect old Remington pocketknives whenever I could. Most are gone now but I still have this neat 65 page Remington catalog with great images and information.

boykinlp · #30 03-26-2024, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Lee

I used to collect old Remington pocketknives whenever I could. Most are gone now but I still have this neat 65 page Remington catalog with great images and information.

Very Cool, Lee! Any idea what year it is from?
Larry

Papa Lee · #31 03-27-2024, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Very Cool, Lee! Any idea what year it is from?
Larry

Larry,
I really don't know the year it was published. Sometime between 1920-1940

.

30-30remchester · #32 03-27-2024, 04:57 PM

A couple of bullet knives. The bottom one is the ultra rare stag handled baby bullet muskrat.

TheHobbyist · #33 03-29-2024, 09:05 AM

Hi Larry / OP,

Thank you for your post; pocket knives have always been of interest to me and fun collecting!

To be neighborly, I’m going to give you the knife in the picture for free. It’s not exactly what you are seeking, but I trust it will go to a good home. Just PM me where to mail it; no cost to you at all, just a gift and hope it gets the collection rolling!

For interest to other collectors, I am also sharing a factory sales sign. I’ll post more when I can.

boykinlp · #34 03-30-2024, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHobbyist

Hi Larry / OP,

Thank you for your post; pocket knives have always been of interest to me and fun collecting!

To be neighborly, I’m going to give you the knife in the picture for free. It’s not exactly what you are seeking, but I trust it will go to a good home. Just PM me where to mail it; no cost to you at all, just a gift and hope it gets the collection rolling!

For interest to other collectors, I am also sharing a factory sales sign. I’ll post more when I can.

Thanks so much! I enjoy all vintage pocketknives. It will definitely go into my collection, and I will be sure to learn about it online.

Your factory sales sign is very cool. I look forward to seeing what else you can show us!
Larry

drgbike · #35 03-30-2024, 12:45 AM

I have a double blade, green handle, switch blade, both blades are sw blade. I will have to find it and post pic.

boykinlp · #36 04-02-2024, 05:36 PM

Unfortunately, I don’t have another 1920-40 Remington knife to add here, but I do have a kinda vintage Remington knife to show. I picked up a 1988 Remington Limited Edition Muskrat R4466SB Silver Bullet Knife In Box. It is obviously a replica of the 1920-40 Remington Muskrat R4466. It has two 440 stainless steel blades, a long Clip that is 2 ¾ inches, and a long Spey that is also 2 ¾ inches. The length closed is 3 ¾ inches; the lined bolsters are nickel silver. It has nicely jigged bone handles and a sterling silver bullet inlay. This knife was manufactured by Camillus and sold by Remington. This replica is a very close copy and nicely done. I couldn’t pass it up for $46.😀

This limited edition knife is unlike their regular replica line of knives that have Delrin handles and a nickel silver bullet inlay. Of course, the original 1920-40 knives had carbon steel blades while the regular production line and limited edition line has stainless steel blades. So while it is not 80-100 years old, it is 36 years old, so kinda vintage.

Larry

boykinlp · #37 04-11-2024, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHobbyist

Hi Larry / OP,

Thank you for your post; pocket knives have always been of interest to me and fun collecting!

To be neighborly, I’m going to give you the knife in the picture for free. It’s not exactly what you are seeking, but I trust it will go to a good home. Just PM me where to mail it; no cost to you at all, just a gift and hope it gets the collection rolling!

For interest to other collectors, I am also sharing a factory sales sign. I’ll post more when I can.

I received Brian’s gift package earlier this week, and it was quite nice! The knife he sent me is a Schrade Junior Stockman 808. I really like it because it’s what I call a “gentleman’s” knife, being small and easy to pocket. Its size reminds me of one of my favorite patterns, a Case Eisenhower knife. It has “SCHRADE” on the shield, and “SCHRADE” over “USA 808” as the gang stamp. The handles are jigged derlin. It has 3 blades, a main Clip Point with a long pull, and a Sheepsfoot and Pen blade with nail nicks. I have been researching it trying to figure out when it was manufactured, but Shrade’s history is confusing to me.🤪 I’m sure it is my fault in comprehension.👍 Some of the Model 808’s have “SHRADE WALDEN” on the shield and a tang stamp of “SCHRADE-WALDEN”, over “N.Y., U.S.A.”. And some have a nail nick on the main Clip Point blade instead of the long pull. I saw where if the shield is blank, then the handles are most likely bone. I just need to study a little harder. Maybe some of you folks know the answer. I have started carrying this little gem in my pocket.

Not only was this wonderful knife in Brian’s package, but he added a couple of other items. One being a flat 2 blade S&W SAT (screwdriver), and the other being a shiny black Tyler T-grip for a square butt K frame revolver!

It will go nicely on my blued pre- model 10 snubby. What an awesome surprise! Thanks again, Brian, for your generosity! BTW, I look forward to seeing more of your factory sales posters.
Larry