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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on December 14, 2016 at 18:06

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 14, 2016 at 19:28

The only reference I find to Imperial over Prov USA is the tang from 1946-1956 so I can get it down to that.  

One thing about Imperial is that several of the catalogs are available on line.  Search for one within that time frame and look for the code on the other side of the tang.  You may not be able to narrow any further if the model and handle material were produced over several years (but you may get lucky and it is an unusual combo)

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 14, 2016 at 21:40

There is no model number on the other side of the tang.... So I am suspicious of what I have. I realize that counterfeiting an Imperial isn't a lucrative business, but I find it strange that the tang stamp doesn't match, and I can't find a model number.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 14, 2016 at 22:17

AH!  Well that makes sense.  Can you get a good pic of the front and back?  Does it look like it has been modified anywhere?

Your right it does not seem lucrative to us BUT there were so many of those knives, taking them and piecing together what parts you find could seem lucrative to others

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 14, 2016 at 22:45

I've seen too many Zero Tolerance and high-end Spyderco clones to not be curious.

I have several pictures. Does not appear to have been tampered with. I don't see how to upload them in this thread. If you can explain to me how to do so, I'll get them uploaded for you in the morning. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 14, 2016 at 22:49

I have seen fake Keen Kutter pocket knives out there, so I know slipjoint clones exist

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 14, 2016 at 23:02

Sure Jeff.  Look at the top of the box you type in, the second icon on the left is photos 

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 15, 2016 at 0:19

Maybe I have to be on a laptop. I don't see the icons on my Android. This looks about like what I have, except the main blade has been sharpened down to a toothpick. Still, the stamp is different and no numbers. https://www.etsy.com/listing/462054177/imperial-pocket-knife-small-...

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 15, 2016 at 5:24

I was able to upload it to the picture page of the forum. Gave it a once-over real good. Has some oddities, but it doesn't appear to have been tampered with. It's possible that this is a real Imperial but a one-off. No one in any forums has suggested that it is fake.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 16, 2016 at 9:31

Here you go.

Attachments:

• 20161216_101540-01.jpeg, 2.8 MB
• 20161216_101326-1-01.jpeg, 2.2 MB

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 17, 2016 at 19:12

I would not think "fake" per say.  No $ in that, cloning is usually reserved for higher dollar.

Usually what we would see on something like this is a rebuild.  Take two, three of four and put them together to make one.  All real Imperial parts but not from the same knife, year ect.  Tell tale signs?  Pin, shields and scales that fit but not quite right.

From the pics I would have to say you are likely correct, it does not appear to have been anything but cleaned.

I would say it is a one off and based on the time frame 46-56, very possible an SFO done for an advertising company or even a "corporate gift"?

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Toy on December 17, 2016 at 19:28

Good thought. I have a Keen Kutter that was made specifically as advertising for a hardware store. I appreciate your input. Thanks!

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