How to Date a Camillus Knife: Essential Tang Stamp Guide

Possessing a vintage Camillus knife connects you to a rich legacy of American cutlery. Yet, understanding its specific place in history often requires more than just admiring its craftsmanship. Pinpointing the age of your Camillus can feel like detective work, especially when faced with cryptic markings or wear and tear. Many collectors struggle to accurately date their pieces, unsure where to start with the various stamps and styles used over the company’s long history.

To accurately date a Camillus knife, locate the tang stamp—the marking on the blade near the handle. Compare its design elements (number of lines, font, presence of “NY” or “USA,” underlines, periods, and date indicators) to known reference guides correlating these styles with specific production periods from 1902 to 2007.

This guide cuts through the confusion, offering a clear roadmap to dating your Camillus knife. You’ll learn the secrets hidden within the tang stamps, discover how subtle design variations reveal age, and gain access to essential resources used by seasoned collectors. By the end, you’ll have the tools to confidently estimate your knife’s manufacturing period, adding a fascinating historical dimension to your treasured piece.

Key Facts:
* Legacy: The Camillus Cutlery Company, founded in 1876, was one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States, operating until its bankruptcy in 2007. [4]
* Identification Key: Tang stamps are considered the most crucial indicators for determining the manufacturing date range of a Camillus knife. [1]
* Evolution: Camillus utilized numerous tang stamp styles throughout its history, with significant changes occurring across different decades. [5]
* Challenges: Precise dating can be difficult due to factors like the occasional use of older blades with earlier stamps on later knives. [3]
* Comprehensive Resources: Detailed reference guides, collector forums, and historical documents are invaluable tools for cross-referencing and confirming dating estimations. [4]

Why Date Your Camillus Knife? Uncovering Its History

Why bother dating your Camillus knife? For many, it’s about more than just curiosity. Understanding the age of your knife unlocks its historical context, placing it within specific periods of American manufacturing and even military history. Knowing when a knife was made can significantly impact its collectibility and market value, especially for rare models or those from particular eras like World War II.

Dating a Camillus knife is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts to understand its historical context, approximate age, and potential value. Tang stamps and other markings provide key clues about its manufacturing period, connecting you to the legacy of this long-standing American cutlery company.

Identifying the production period allows you to connect your knife to specific events or uses. For example, a knife dated to the 1940s might have served in the military, while one from the early 1900s could have been a common tool of the time. This historical connection deepens the appreciation for the craftsmanship and story embedded within each piece. Furthermore, accurate dating helps differentiate between genuine vintage items and later reproductions or knives made after the company’s initial bankruptcy and subsequent re-establishment.

How to Date a Camillus Knife with Tang Stamps

The tang stamp is your primary tool for dating a Camillus knife. This small marking, typically found on the blade’s ricasso (the flat part near the handle), encapsulates vital information about when and where the knife was made. By carefully examining the style, text, and any additional characters on this stamp, you can narrow down its production timeframe significantly.

To date a Camillus knife, first locate the tang stamp on the blade base. Identify its style (arch, straight, number of lines, font, underlines, periods). Compare this style to a reference chart correlating stamps with production date ranges from 1902 to 2007.

While the process is straightforward in principle, the devil is in the details. Camillus changed its tang stamps numerous times between its founding in 1876 and its bankruptcy in 2007. Each style corresponds to a specific period, though some overlaps and inconsistencies exist. Understanding these variations is key to accurate dating.

Step 1: Locating the Tang Stamp

The first step is simple: find the tang stamp on your knife. Open the knife fully if it’s a folder. The stamp is usually on the flat section of the blade (the ricasso), close to the bolster or pivot point. On fixed-blade knives, it’s typically found on the ricasso as well.

Inspect this area closely. Tang stamps can be worn or faint, especially on older or heavily used knives. You might need good lighting or even a magnifying glass to read the details clearly. Common markings include “CAMILLUS,” “NEW YORK,” “USA,” and sometimes a specific year or other codes.

Step 2: Identifying Tang Stamp Styles and Eras

Camillus employed a variety of tang stamp styles throughout its production history. Recognizing these distinct styles is the core of dating. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones and their approximate date ranges, based on collector research and historical sources:

• Early 1900s (Circa 1902–1915): Three-Line Arch Stamp. This is one of the earliest and most recognizable stamps. It features “CAMILLUS” arched over “CUTLERY CO.” and “NEW YORK” below. This style marks knives from the company’s initial era in the early 20th century. 1, 2

• 1916–Early 1930s: Three-Line Straight Stamp. Following the arch style, Camillus transitioned to a straight three-line stamp. The text remains similar (“CAMILLUS,” “CUTLERY CO.,” “NEW YORK”) but is arranged horizontally. This marks a distinct period after 1915. 1, 2

• 1930s–Mid-1940s: Four-Line Stamp. A fourth line was often added during this period, frequently including “USA.” This stamp is commonly associated with knives produced leading up to and during World War II. 1, 3

• 1946–1950: Short Line Stamp. This style features a non-italic font for “CAMILLUS” and a short underline between it and “NEW YORK.” Crucially, this underline does not extend the full width of the word “CAMILLUS.” It’s often found with “USA” below. 1, 4

• 1960–Late 1970s: Full-Length Underline. Similar to the short line stamp, this version features a full underline extending across the entire word “CAMILLUS” before “NEW YORK USA.” The font is typically non-italicized. 2

• Late 1970s–1989: Italicized Font with Periods. Look for an italicized “CAMILLUS” with an underline, followed by “NEW YORK U.S.A.” with periods between the letters. This style is characteristic of knives from the late 70s and 80s. 2

• 1989–2007 (Pre-Bankruptcy): Modern Stamps. Tang stamps from this later period became simpler. They often feature “CAMILLUS U.S.A.” and sometimes include “SINCE XXXX” (the founding year). These mark knives produced until the company’s bankruptcy in 2007. 2

Step 3: Using a Tang Stamp Reference Guide

Once you’ve identified the style of your knife’s tang stamp, the next step is to cross-reference it with a reliable Camillus tang stamp reference guide or chart. Many online resources and knife collecting books provide detailed timelines and visual examples of these stamps.

Compare the exact appearance of your stamp—including the font, spacing, lines, and any extra dots or symbols—to the examples in the guide. This helps confirm the style you’ve identified and provides the estimated date range associated with that specific stamp. Remember that these ranges are often approximate, especially for earlier periods where records might be less precise.

Step 4: Considering Exceptions and Anomalies

While tang stamps are the best indicator, they aren’t foolproof. Camillus, like other large manufacturers, sometimes used older stock blades with earlier stamps on knives assembled in later periods. This practice can create anomalies where a knife’s design or materials suggest one era, but the tang stamp points to an earlier one. 3, 5

Special edition knives, contract knives made for other companies or the military, and prototypes might also have unique markings not found in standard reference guides. If your knife seems unusual or the tang stamp doesn’t fit neatly into known categories, further research into specific models or historical contracts may be necessary. Consulting collector forums or experts is invaluable in these cases.

Beyond Tang Stamps: Other Clues for Dating

Sometimes, the tang stamp is illegible, or you encounter an anomaly that leaves you unsure. Fortunately, other characteristics of a Camillus knife can offer valuable clues to its age. Examining these additional features provides a more holistic approach to dating, helping you confirm or refine your initial estimate.

Besides tang stamps, look for other clues to date a Camillus knife, including blade shape, handle materials (like early rubber or later synthetics), specific model features (like military issue variants), packaging, and any faint serial numbers or secondary markings.

Consider the knife’s overall design. Blade shapes, bolster materials (like nickel silver, brass, or steel), and handle materials (ranging from bone, stag, and wood to early celluloid, rubber, or later plastic and synthetic composites) evolved over time. The presence of specific materials or construction techniques can help narrow down the possibilities, especially when combined with tang stamp information. Military-issued Camillus knives, like the Mark I USN or certain pocket knives, often have distinct features or contract numbers that point to specific production runs during wartime periods. 6, 8

Original packaging, if you’re fortunate enough to have it, can also contain date codes or information. Even the style of riveting or pinning used to attach handle scales can provide clues. While Camillus knives rarely have traditional serial numbers like firearms, some specific contract runs or models might have other number or letter markings that correspond to internal production records if you can find documentation. Consulting vintage catalogs or specialized collector resources can help you decipher these secondary identifiers.

FAQs About How to Date a Camillus Knife

Trying to date a Camillus knife can bring up many questions, especially for those new to collecting. Here are some common queries people have when researching their vintage pieces.

When did Camillus stop making knives?

Camillus Cutlery Company initially ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in 2007. The brand was later acquired and knives are produced under the Camillus name today, but vintage collectors focus on pieces from the original company’s history, generally pre-2007.

What does the number on my knife mean?

Numbers on Camillus knives typically refer to the knife’s model number, not a unique serial number indicating a specific production unit or date. These model numbers help identify the knife’s pattern and features.

What are the different models of Camillus knives?

Camillus produced a vast range of knives, including traditional pocket knives (stockman, trapper, peanuts), military issue knives (like the USN Mark I, pilot’s survival knives), electrician’s knives (like the TL-29), hunting knives, and many others for various contractors.

Is there a free knife identification app?

While there are general knife identification apps, finding one specifically comprehensive for dating Camillus knives based on tang stamps may be challenging. Collector websites, forums, and specialized printed guides are often more reliable resources for detailed dating information.

How to date a camillus knife serial number?

Authentic vintage Camillus knives typically do not have serial numbers for dating purposes. Any numbers are usually model numbers or possibly contract numbers on military knives, which require specific references to interpret their production period.

How to date a camillus knife without a tang stamp?

If the tang stamp is illegible or absent, dating becomes more complex. You would rely on other features like blade shape, handle materials, construction methods, and historical context of specific models to estimate the manufacturing period.

What does a Vintage Camillus Knife Catalog show?

Vintage Camillus Knife Catalogs show the models produced during specific years or periods, often illustrating their designs, features, and sometimes providing information about the materials used. They are invaluable resources for identifying and dating knives.

How to identify Camillus military knives?

Camillus military knives often have specific contract markings (like “U.S.”), model designations (like “TL-29” or “MK 1”), and designs unique to military issue. Tang stamps and the overall pattern help identify these specific knives and their production eras.

Where can I find a US Camillus Knife value guide?

Value guides for US Camillus knives can be found on collector websites, in specialized knife collecting books, or by consulting with experienced collectors or dealers. Value depends on rarity, condition, model, and historical significance.

How to date a Camillus kabar knife?

While Camillus did produce knives with a similar profile to the KA-BAR (like the USMC fighting knife), dating them follows the same principles: examine the tang stamp (which would be Camillus’s) and look for military markings or design features specific to Camillus contract runs.

What are Camillus electricians knife variations?

Camillus produced the TL-29 electrician’s knife for the military and civilian market over many decades. Variations exist in handle materials, tang stamps, and blade steels across different production periods, which can help in dating them.

Is it very hard to date a Camillus knife?

Dating a Camillus knife can range from relatively easy (with a clear, well-documented tang stamp) to quite challenging (with worn stamps, anomalies, or less common models). It often requires consulting multiple resources and looking beyond just the tang stamp.

Summary: Your Essential Guide to Dating Camillus Knives

Dating your Camillus knife is a rewarding process that connects you to the history and craftsmanship of this classic American cutlery company. By focusing on the tang stamp—your primary tool for identification—and understanding the evolution of its various styles, you gain significant insight into your knife’s manufacturing period.

Remember to carefully locate the stamp, identify its unique style, and cross-reference it with reliable dating guides. Be prepared to consider anomalies, like older stock usage, and use secondary clues such as blade shape, handle materials, and specific model features for a more complete picture. Armed with this essential tang stamp guide and a little patience, you can confidently estimate the age of your cherished Camillus knife.

Do you have a particularly challenging Camillus knife to date? Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments below!