Case Quartermaster Knife, missing pommel

[Flash Boredom]

Hello Gentlemen,

I acquired this knife as a young boy in the early 70's, probably at my favorite hangout(surplus store). I've emailed the Case company on repairing/replacing the pommel but all I got back was a disappointing form email stating that they can't help me. Anyone have any suggestions on how I may find a replacement pommel and/or repair shop? There is obvious(and very cool) wear on the leather-ring handle. You can even see where the user's wedding ring wore-down the leather. It's seen some use!

[doyler]

If you have a knife maker in your area it may be your best bet.A simope repair for him.I have an RH37 and it was missing the pommel.I took it to a retired local navy vet here who made knives.He would buy the blade blanks or take existing knives and rehandle them with deer antlers,micarta or similair laminated handle materials.He made up dining and cultlery sets and hunting knives.

 

In my case he had spare pommels from modern Camillius and Ontario MK2 style knives he converted to hunting knives.He took the pommel and installed it to the tang,replaced a washer at the top and pinned it as original.Looked fine other than he buffed the pommel bright.Good as new.I would think yours could have a brass or steel stock pommel made and pinned in place.

 

Good luck

 

RON

[doyler]

Should add that knife makers often will set up at gunshows too.

 

RD

[elbertson]

Can't swear to it, but I think Kabar will sell you a replacement Mk2 pommel that just might fit. Ontario might part with one as well, but I'm pretty sure I read something about Kabar selling handle rebuild kits. If you've got an Mk2 around you might be able to eyeball them side by side to see if it looks feasible.

[doyler]

You will need a piece that has a more oval design for this knife or have to shape the handle to fit a round style

 

RD

[elbertson]

It could be taken down on the sides with a belt grinder a bit...diameter on examples I have looks good. Or leave it round for that Seabees look

[Coffeecup]

Had to find both my Case Q-knife AND my calipers at the same time!

 

The original pommel was appx 1/2" thick, 1.34" parallel to the blade, and 1.1" perpendicular to the blade. Normally you can use the top washer to get the dimension and shape, but it looks like you are missing a few. On my sample, the largest washer is approximately the same size and shape as the pommel.

 

It looks like the tang on your knife is slightly shortened, then peened. This would make it a royal pain in the posterior to restore, and this knife like mine is one with the more common "CASE XX" marking. Personally, I'd go with one of the other suggestions here--use a MKII pommel, or put one together from a piece of flat stock, like on the Western SeaBee. Good luck!

Jim

[Johnson M1941]

I don't know that there's a big point unless you can get an original pommel which has the knurling/teeth. Anything else wouldn't like right IMO. Perhaps buy another one as a donor which has blade issues. I missed one on ebay which sold for $26 plus 8 to ship IIRC. I wouldn't do anything non traditional since you waited this long, letting it go how it is currently.

[Flash Boredom]

Thank you all for your help. I'm still looking for a replacement pommel. This last weekend I found several WW2 fighting knives at an antique mall. A Case Quartermaster like mine(but in better shape!), a Cattaraugus 225Q(recognized it by it's distinct pommel...) and I think there was even a Ka Bar. There was a whole shelf of a display case full of WW2 fighting knives and bayonets. The seller knew their value but the prices were at least reasonable. I'm going back as soon as I can to take some pictures.

[Flash Boredom]

I never posted pics of all the knives I'd found because my cell phone pics turned-so horrible. You can barely make-out the knives...

 

I'm posting this as a lesson to myself... I waited too long. I went back to find that someone had bought the Case Q that I needed and another sweet Kabar that I wanted(very under priced).

"You snooze, you lose" Let that be a lesson to me. [sigh]

 

Note: the Case knife is not in this pic. It was on the shelf under these. I think these are Kabars marked USMC, and another one I can't remember.