Knife Stamp

[memyselfandi]

Does anyone know anything about the markings on this blade? Appears to say WDR 23.
https://imgur.com/gallery/YObYVgJ

[BoBlade]

If memory serves, there was a thread on Knifetalkforums a number of years ago: A limited number of these made for Randall family members (and possibly some Shop employees). The initials are those of Bo himself. Pretty rare bird!

[Jacknola]

On this board an excellent (ahem) old line dating the evolution of escutcheon plates on RMKs included pictures and a discussion of a 3-5 knife with "WDR 4" etched on the ricosso. It was a special presentation knife in a rosewood box so perhaps "WDR #" represented a special occasion, significant event, or customer. I tend to think that is the case…but no one replied identifiying the significance of the "WDR" etching.

You can find the original escutcheon dating line on this board at this link (the line is worth reviewing for those interested in dating early RMK)…

http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=64433

Here is the story of this WDR 4 knife as listed in the ebay offering … it was pretty precisely dated as likely 1962-1963 vintage with a rare Johnson brown button sheath, no model or length numbers..

http://svalbardrepublic.org/ebay/randall-boxed0910.htm

Here are the pictures.. separate from the story…

[Jacknola]

Here are the pictures of the WDR 23 knife in the OP...





Notice the similarity of this WDR 23 knife to the one I posted above, WDR 4.... same model same etched initials and Randall stamp, same handle and spacers, same escutcheon plate, same engraving on escutcheon plate. One could reasonably speculate that there was a special limited edition produced in 1962-63 with brown button Johnson sheath, display box, etc.... all identified with "WDR" initials and a number. It would be interesting to know what this was all about...