Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on July 8, 2013 at 21:35

This may help: http://www.collectors-of-camillus.us/Catalogs/1973-4-Camilluss.pdf

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 8, 2013 at 21:42

Very helpful Steve. Its Indian Stag - not India. Thanks.

Anyone have any of these?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jim Thompson on July 8, 2013 at 21:58

India Stag is a unique antler exclusive to India and imported from India. As of right now there is a hold on any coming into the USA. It is my understanding that Case is virtually out of this material for their knives. Knife manufacturers only have whatever India Stag in stock to work with. The value of India Stag handled will certainly appreciate in value as the inventories are used up. I am sure you are aware that Camillus closed their plant some time ago. Your knives are obviously mint & I would think that these would be highly sought after. The Sword brand was an early marking (1906 era). What I do not know is if anyone purchased the right to the Camillus name & brands and are producing any knives currently. I would highly recommend a book, "Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings," to you. It is a great tool.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 9, 2013 at 6:40

Thanks Jim, sounds like Knives to hang on to. I had heard of Goins, but never saw it, I will look for one.

• ▶ Reply

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on July 10, 2013 at 16:33

Nice knives!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Bryant on July 24, 2013 at 16:17

Hello Ken, I saw the topic today and wanted to respond even though Steve & Jim have provided so much information.  First let me say the Knives you purchased are a nice set, some one took some time to get one of each knife and assemble them together.  If the Blades on the others are in as nice a condition as the handles look you should be proud to have them. 

The company is no longer in Business. If anyone is selling this brand I am not aware of it. I even asked that question when i was at SMKW talking to different Counter reps. An added plus to your collection. is if you have the original Boxes and Papers, that also adds Value to the Collection!  Amazing how much some Collectors Prize the additions of  Boxes  to a Collection!!

The knives as you have found out are INDIAN Stag, sometimes called Dura Stag, Staglon, or Man Made Stag.  They are of a plastic type material, molded to look like Stag, because they are molded the have basically the same look.  Natural Stag has a differing looks from one side of the knife Handle to the other in most cases.   Some of the knives Scales manufactured by Camillus and Other Manufacturers were not pinned on to the liners, they are glued  on or the scales are mounted under the Bolsters to hold them in place along with the center pin. This was done I am told to hold down Mfg. cost. Most of the Camillus Brand knives were made with this type handle some are called Delrin which is another name for the plastic material.

Now saying that If you remember I sad MOST.  Their is always an exception in Knife collecting and even Camillus was not exempt  because some of the Executives of Camillus did have some knives special made with STAG Handles.

Thanks for posting the Photos and enjoy Collecting and your Collection.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 24, 2013 at 17:58

Thanks Mike - very informative - I will take pics of all the knives and post them here soon.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 25, 2013 at 8:18

Here are the pics: Camillus Sword Brand Indian Stag #'s 89, 19, 70, 71, & 73

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 25, 2013 at 8:23

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Bryant on July 25, 2013 at 18:38

Very Pretty set of  Stcokmans.  I especially like the Muskrat Pattern. That has always been one of my favorite patterns, Muskrats remind me of the Lock Horn pattern.   All look to be Mint. Really JMO   If History is any indication of  a knife's value as  the years go by they should appreciate in Value.  Take care of them, Baby and pet them I don't think you will be sorry.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 25, 2013 at 19:00

Thanks Mike, I do plan to take good care of them - only bad thing is I don't have boxes. But they are stored well and oiled.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion