Just internet savvy.

Seems like it could be a lot newer than 50 years. One of the ways we date German musical instruments (usually violins, violas, and such) is whether or not the country of manufacture is listed with or with out W. or West preceding Germany. Pre WWII will not have such an identifier and neither will post 1989-ish pieces but anything in between will always have such a mark. The presence of plastics I think would most likely point it to post 1989 as opposed to pre WWII.

Is it possible the plastic is actually celluloid?

And, since I really don't know a damn thing about the history of German cutlery, are there known examples of pre WWII blades whose markings behave in a similar fashion to what I've outlined?

Watch out using those fancy smileys around Chris, next thing you know he'll be giving you a ridiculous name and calling you fancy lass.

"Lil' Miss Fancy Pants" haha!

P.I.C was bought out by another company later in its years, sone swiss company I think. I'll have to research it's history. It's a great possibility that they retained their tang stamp post buy out. I'll research and let you know!

Well I was completely wrong! (It's been known to happen!) The knife was made on the 50s. It was made by the Solingen knife company. Here's some info on the company. http://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/2011/0...ermany.html?m=1. The tang stamp is conflicting though. That knife of yours is worth $500+ in good condition it isn't plastic, it's stag antler, which makes sense.

Oh, it's definitely fake antler... doesn't even look real. I melted it with a lighter, standard hard plastic.
The guy didn't specify how he wanted me to resto-mod it. He knows nothing about knives and said something like "whatever you think will work best".
I'm going to install a stacked-leather handle with brass guard and brass pommel. I'll make a sheath for it too.
If he doesn't barter or pay accordingly I'll keep it. It'll always have that pitted metal patina but still worthy of hard use. Good looking Bowie profile in my opinion.
But no, I don't think it's valuable as a vintage collectible per se, regardless the condition. Close but no cigar.
My guess would be 1950s or 60s.

Well you know better than I! Good luck with the restoration!

Chris, that knife is going to look really good after you are done with it. If the customer doesn't come through with the trade or cash, I would like to work out something with
you for it. Let me know if you are interested.....

The Solingen Bowie?

Yes - I do not currently own a Bowie, and that old, pitted, and with a leather grip suits my style.....

Ha, I'm right with you there. I've never had a Bowie either and the patina is kinda cool. I'll keep you in mind for sure Scott.
That one's still on the back burner. Today I got caught up on that Arctic Hunter sheath and might finish it tomorrow if I have time.
I also made myself a belt from some thick Sherman Oak leather. It's 10oz thick and 1.5" wide. I put a big ass shiny buckle on it so I can finally get that cowgirl I've always wanted.
I was pricing heavy duty belts similar to this last year at around $70-$100. I made this one for less than $20 with my wholesale pricing and (dare I say) it's better quality than what I was looking at, even the Duluth Trading Company belts. No fancy stamping on this, pure function.
Anyway, this one will be nice to hang the pea shooter from.

Chris, my son and I have been following your knife making thread from the begining, we to are puting to gether a knife for him and I, but we have purchased the blades ourselves that are already made, just need sharpening. this has been one of the most informative threads to follow, thanks, when we get to a couple points we will post what we have done if you don't mind, and will need your advise on some of the processes to finishing a blade.

That is awesome! You guys are really going to cherish those when you're done.
Yes, by all means... ask away if you have any questions. I'm glad to help if I can.

That'll make a pretty sweet utility blade! Bad thing about having a pretty new knife is you're afraid to ding it up, so that one would get a lot of use! Can't wait to see what you do with it!