Sam,

Great idea! Thanks for heading up this study. I don't have any sheaths that fall into this category, but I mentioned the number style in another sheath thread. My comment was based on two knives that were on eBay. Both sheaths have number styles that are consistent with your initial findings.

Thanks Tom. This is exactly what I am referring to. You posted a great example of what I am finding.
Note also that the serif (thanks for the correct term Joe) on the number 1 on the RMK west facing stamp angles down a bit, as the Heiser stamped number serifs do.
I have seen examples of the number 1 on east facing stamps, but they tend to be straight out. I will find an example and post it.

Tom,
Here is an example of what I am referring to with the "new style" serif.
Notice the serif (projection out to the left at the top of the number 1) is straight out. Also note that the number 3 on this sheath has a rounded top, as apposed to the flat top on the top of 3's on the "old style" number serifs on the Heiser stamped sheaths.
Tom, In the examples that you posted above, the number 2 on the Heiser stamped sheath is exactly as they appear on the West facing sheaths that I have found.
Note the example in this post is an east facing sheath too.

Sam, hopefully, others will chime in with their findings and we'll see if there is any crossover. Fun study!

I am counting on it Tom.
I may be wrong, but I don't think this particular subject has been discussed in a research thread before.
I think it may have been mentioned in passing, some part of the detail, but not in an out and out research project.
What better way to determine the truth about it than to engage everyone possible who has these sheaths in their possession.
Ebay is another good way to find examples too, as usually in the photos they show the back of the sheath.

As an additional observation, I have observed horizontal RMK stamped sheaths with no numbers on these early sheaths, one was an example in Sheldon's book.I don't have the book with me, will post it later. I think it was placed horizontally because there was no room for vertical placement.
Capt Chris mentioned a horizontal RMK stamped sheath earlier. Is this the case Capt Chris, or is that stamp on a standard sheath where there is plenty of room either way.
Again, I am not saying that they are not out there, that's why we are doing this project, to see if they are common. This project may determine if the sheath maker was consistent with the way he or she oriented the stamp.

Sam

Here is a pinned Brown Micarta Model 5 with a Heiser sheath. Don't know if you can clearly discern the numbers or not.

My guess it is around a 1960's knife.

Hi Rod
Thanks for the post and picture. I can't quite make out the number type on it. Is it the old style serif number stamp, or the newer style number stamp?
Can you post a clearer picture of it?
Thanks

Sam

Give me a few hours. I will post a better pic before I go to bed tonight.

Sam

In the middle of painting. Got to wait for some to dry, so here is a quick pic of the sheath stamp.

Let me know if you want more pics.