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🏆 W.R. CASE & SONS B1051 FISHTAIL / BOW TIE 🏆
CIRCA 1905–1914 • YELLOW HANDLES • EARLY CASE SURVIVOR
There are vintage Case knives — and then there are the very early patterns that immediately stop a Case collector in his tracks.
Offered here is a fascinating W.R. Case & Sons B1051 Fishtail / Bow Tie pocketknife, dating to the early W.R. Case & Sons era, circa 1905–1914.
⭐ EARLY W.R. CASE & SONS
⭐ SCARCE 1051 FISHTAIL / BOW TIE PATTERN
⭐ DISTINCTIVE SCULPTED BOW-TIE BOLSTERS
⭐ GOLDEN-YELLOW HANDLES
⭐ B1051 PATTERN MARKING
⭐ UNDISTURBED ORIGINAL ASSEMBLY
⭐ STILL FUNCTIONING WITH SNAP
This is not a blade-profile knife. Its collector appeal lies in the era, scarce pattern, unusual construction and surviving yellow handles.
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🎀 THE FISHTAIL / BOW TIE
The 1051 Fishtail, also referred to by collectors as a Bow Tie, is immediately recognizable by its dramatic sculpted bolsters and unmistakable profile.
It is a striking piece of early American pocketknife design and a pattern encountered far less often than the familiar Case patterns of later years.
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🟡 YELLOW HANDLES & B1051 MARKING
The blade is clearly pattern marked B1051.
Although the B prefix was historically associated with bone in Case’s early pattern-number system, documented examples establish the use of the B1051 designation on yellow-handled knives of this pattern as well.
The golden-yellow handles remain remarkably well preserved considering the knife’s age and are a major part of its appeal.
There is a chip near the lower bolster, clearly photographed, along with expected scratches, handling marks and age-related wear.
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🔎 CONSTRUCTION & ORIGINALITY
Because originality matters tremendously on an early Case knife, I have intentionally included high-definition close-ups of the bolsters, pivot/pins, liners, backspring and blade tang area.
The knife appears to remain in its original assembled configuration, with no readily apparent evidence that it has been taken apart or reassembled.
Of particular interest is the area where the blade tang meets the backspring, along with the pivot and surrounding metal. The close-up photographs allow collectors to examine these areas carefully and make their own assessment.
🔪 BLADE, STAMP & MECHANICS
The blade has seen considerable use and sharpening during its very long life. It is short and no longer retains its original blade profile.
Mechanically, the blade has some side-to-side movement when open. The action is lighter on opening, while the blade snaps shut when closing. The blade also sits somewhat off-center when closed, as clearly shown in the photographs.
The early W.R. CASE & SONS tang stamp is worn from age and use, but remains visible, while the B1051 pattern marking can also be seen and is documented in the photographs.
That condition is clearly shown and is not being minimized.
The value here is in the knife that survived around the blade.
The early W.R. Case & Sons era, scarce Fishtail/Bow Tie pattern, extraordinary bolsters, golden-yellow handles and undisturbed construction are what make this knife collectible.
And after more than a century, the knife remains functional and retains snap.
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🔍 PLEASE EXAMINE THE PHOTOS
Please examine all high-resolution photographs closely for the blade, B1051 marking, handles and photographed chip, pins, pivot, bolsters, liners, backspring, tang area and overall condition.
The photographs are intentionally detailed and form an important part of the condition description.
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⭐ A TRUE EARLY CASE SURVIVOR ⭐
This isn’t being represented as a mint or full-bladed knife.
It is being offered for what it is:
A seldom-seen W.R. Case & Sons Fishtail / Bow Tie survivor from the earliest years of the Case story.
For the collector of early Case, unusual Case patterns and antique American pocketknives, this is a fascinating piece of Case history.
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🔥 MORE FROM THE TOP SHELF 🔥
If early Case, scarce patterns and unusual vintage pocketknives are what brought you to this listing, please take a look through my other listings.
I regularly offer collector-focused vintage knives, including pieces that don’t surface every day.
Follow my store to see future listings and Weekend Top Shelf Drops as they’re added.
Thank you for your interest.
Kind regards,
Perry
