An interesting footnote to the discussion is the following communication from 2003 forwarded to me:

Hello XXXX,

I have just been able to close a transaction for a #15. Knife was ordered in 60-61, a delivery date given and then delayed, as the shop told the buyer.."we are busy making Astros". I mention that as the tang shows two epoxy filled holes that are larger than the 3/16 screws holes that secure the handle. This knife probably had been drilled in order to channel a cavity as an Astro, and they filled the order with a #15 instead.

The blade has a radical top line with high hump and very steep clip. It also has a small stamp, the only one that I have ever seen on either the #14 or #15. The choil is shallow and very short and the tang is long. It also has a very narrow, rounded guard. Note the slider on the leather thong.

The sheath is a Johnson canteen snap that was dyed brown. It is practically unused.

Of course I was forced to sell the Porsche that I had in storage in order to afford it.

Gary saw the knife today and without any history from me, deduced the reason for the filled holes...pretty astute. I had spoken with Pete Hamiltom earlier and he confirmed that they used epoxy in circumstances such as this.

In any event it was a nice find and I hope that the images come out.

Regards

XXXX