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The 3 Versions of the Ulster Mtn Ski Pocket Knife


Steve D.
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Steve, a really nice grouping!

This does bring up a question I have. The knife at the top in the OP is the pattern that M.H. Cole identified as version one. I recognize that label could be completely random, but I'm wondering if there is any information on the order in which these different versions appeared. I would naturally assume that the only version with the "eagle beak" style can opener would likely be a later production item compared to the other two.

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Nice examples of those knives you have!

In my opinion the order is from bottom to top with the first pattern having the Philips head on the Clevis with the third variation with the eagle beak can opener being the third or last based off what we know of the history behind that can opener.

I have a document from Imperial Knife Co. corresponding with the BuAer about pocket knives, Imperial and Ulster were partners in a round about way. The letter is dated 2 June 1943. It states that specification No.71 20 June 1942 is for a special "Mountain" or ski-troopers knife with five blades, the cutting blade is of a different shape than a "clip" blade. Further it states that the knife is provided with a very wide clevis, because of it, was formally spot welded a special little screw driver used to turn Philips type screw heads. Here we have to distinctive details....the term " Formally" used in reference to the screw driver on the clevis and "A Different shape blade" than a clip type. This describes the bottom knife pictured. The middle and top knives have Clip type main blades. It further states that the new tentative specification calls for a Clip blade.

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Thanks Dustin. That's the same way that I intuitively imagined that they likely occurred. But we know how much trouble intuition can get you in. :lol:

Man I can only imagine the amount of reference material you've been collecting.

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It just so happened that I had that little snippet of info about the mountain knife and after 10 years it finally came in handy. I think there are a couple other variations besides the three pictured, minor..... but variations none the less.

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