ANOTHER OF THOSE @!*&# CAMILLUS WW2 POCKETKNIVES

[bayonetman]

I have been posting these for some time now and am sure that some of you are getting tired of them. I just happen to like Camillus, and the WW2 pocket knives are something that I collect for several reasons. There are a lot of variations, they are fairly common, they are relatively inexpensive, and they probably saw more use than most other knives (although admittedly not in combat). One of these days I am going to combine these and post them as a resource in the reference collection.

 

For those of you who have an interest in those made by other companies, please start some threads on them for those of us who appreciate these knives.

 

And for those who are not aware, many of the WW2 Camillus drawings and design sheets have been posted on the Collectors of Camillus website http://www.collectors-of-camillus.us/ Although not complete and in many cases confusing, it remains a factory resource that is missing from most companies.

 

Today's knife adds another question mark to some of the accepted information available on the time period of the Camillus marks. It is generally stated/accepted that the 4 line marking CAMILLUS / CUTLERY CO / CAMILLUS NY / U.S.A. was used during WW2 with the 3 line marking CAMILLUS / NEW YORK / U.S.A. coming out in 1946.

 

This knife is shown in the Camillus ad as Navy Aviation and Ship Stores Resale Utility Knife and in the factory drawing mentioned above as the Navy Aviation 14S2 (Brass linings and center) and shows contracts for 1944 of 54,246 pieces of this version and the 14L79 version which had steel liners. Ordered by the Naval Aviation Supply Depot.

 

However, the one shown has the 3 line marking, and it is unlikely that this model knife was ordered post war, especially with bone handles, USN shield and steel bolsters and bail. This specimen also has the early style can opener which was replaced by the safety model by 1945 It seems possible or even likely that the 3 line marking was actually introduced earlier than 1946, would be happy to hear from other collectors who have 3 line knives that are apparently WW2 production.

 

 

 

[Still-A-Marine]

I must admit that I tend to gravitate toward these knives also. But, without the experience you have I would look at this knife and walk away thinking it was reworked. I would be thinking this because it does not have the established "correct" 4 line Camillus marking. I hope to get to the point where I can get past the reference material and trust what I see based on experience.

 

Great looking knife. Bill

[tsellati]

I just snagged a virtual twin sister of this knife with 3-line Camillus markings and all . I'll post some pictures once I have it in my hot little hands.

 

Tim

[tsellati]

As promised, here is what appears to be the sister (though perhaps not a twin, Gary can correct me if I am wrong) of Gary's 3-blade Camillus Navy Aviation knife with the three-line manufacturer's marking -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one appears to meet the description of the 14S2 version with brass linings and center. Apparently, a total of 54,246 pieces were contracted for by the Naval Aviation Supply Depot in 1944. The version 14L79 was made with steel instead of brass liners.

 

Tim

[Frank Trzaska]

It seems possible or even likely that the 3 line marking was actually introduced earlier than 1946

 

Sure does doesn't it... Could be we all may learn a lesson here.

 

All the best

Frank Trzaska