PRICE REDUCED 7/1/24 IMPERIAL"UTILITY" KNIFE (Scout/Military/Camping) vintageVGC: This utility pattern is probably the most copied knife in the 20th---21st century, more even than the Barlow knife or the Buck #110. The military name for it was "Engineer's Knife". There are clues as to its dates of manufacture:  The long lanyard bail and the "modern" can opener were updates to production from 1943 to 1945 during military production; also note there is no badge on the front scale.  During the war, manufacturers' stamp did not appear on the blade tang, only the script "USA". And the liners were made of steel rather than brass (this knife has brass liners) which was needed for ammunition. So these clues indicate late- or post-war manufacturing 1943---48), after which, in 1949, Imperial converted their entire line of knives to snap-together keyhole-design with hollow handles instead of slabs.  These re-toolings changed Imperial knives from a high value pocketknife to a cheaper, price-point commodity, a reputation that dogged Imperial until the name was recently licensed to Asian manufacturers who resumed the quality and materials that Imp had made until 1949.

    There is no discoloration, rust, pitting or scratches on the blades except the front side of the main blade. Shameful scratches were made there, by sharpening with a file. Not many strokes were made as the blade appears to be full width as when new. Still, all blades polished up to mirror-brightness. Inside is clean and springs are intact giving all blades good walk and talk. Blades are easy to open by using nail-nicks.

    Value in this knife is given by near-pristine condition from a known manufacturing era, well curated over its life, of a design approved by the United States military complex and the scout associations of America. The design has existed for more than a hundred years and still sells strongly. Mailing only to USA-48. Postage is usually between $5.00 and $6.26. Buyer pays $4.00, I will pay the rest. Please see my other knives and save postage. I am liquidating my entire collection; please keep me in your favorite sellers, watching for Old Bryan's Old Knives or the seller name below.