S-W EK1 Craftsman Assembly Number?

[Tony & Kaiser]

On S-W marked EK1 I have noticed a small number on the underside of the pin, usually near the hinge. Understanding basic shop procedures, I would assume that several people would do the final assembly of EK from the parts. Could these numbers be a reflection of the craftsman that did this, and each craftsman would stamp the underside of the pin with his number?
First, the rear of a S-W.

<img src=http://www.kaisersbunker.com/ek/SW_2.jpg>

[Tony & Kaiser]

And two different numbers under the pins on two S-W marked EK1. A "5" and a "9".

<img src=http://www.kaisersbunker.com/ek/SW_marks.jpg>

[Erich B.]

S-W marks

My S-W has a '3' under the pin.
Erich

[Eric Stahlhut]

J. Wagner & sons and Friedlander also did this. Sometimes the quality control marks were letters instead of numerals.

[Bill M]

--My Sy & Wagner has a 5, my Friedlander has a letter which I believe is 'D'. Both are below the pin near the hinge as on the ones Tony has posted. Always took them for 'inspector' numbers.
--Let's get pics! I have a bunch to take later on anyway.

[Tony & Kaiser]

I was only able to find a number under the pin on the S-W EK1s. I checked my G, Fr (Friedlander), Rothe, H.B.C., we, KO, K.A.G., silver marked examples and the unmarked examples, none had numbers. Only the Sy-Wagners.

Quality control is something I would expect on a finished product before shipping. I was leaning to the final assembly person, and not a quality control number, as the pin would have to lie flat to get the number punched. This has to be done before the pin is attached to the hinge, as these pins do not go past 45 degrees and could not be punched once assembled. Yes? No?

[Eric Stahlhut]

Tony,


you are probably right. Another possibility could be that the marks may be a way of expressing what year the piece in question was made. Sort of like the marks made by silversmiths on 'civilian' items.

[Erich B.]

numbers

I've been thinking about this--it doesn't make sense to need a benchmark number on a piece unless it was to keep fitted parts from getting mixed up, IMO. Here's a possible theory--the pins were made in conjunction with the hinge/plate, and were hand fitted--pin to hinge. So, perhaps on the underside of the hinge (where it's soldered to the cross) there is a matching number. That way, #3 hinge mechanism fits #3 pin, #4 hinge fits pin marked #4, etc. It may be farfetched, but why else would the number need to be present?
Erich

[Tony & Kaiser]

It may be farfetched, but why else would the number need to be present?

Nothing is far-fetched when it comes to this hobby! Any idea works for me, although I do lean towards the craftsman's mark, as this is common practice in small industry. We'll never know obviously, but they are interesting! T

[JensF.]

My EK1s have the following marks under the pin:

-"WS" Wagner & Sohn: A "W" or "M" under the pin.
-"S-W" Sy & Wagner: A "2".
-no makers mark but a "800" stamp: A "y".

Maybe it is an inspection mark or the pins were made by another maker?!?

[Eric Stahlhut]

Bumped up for George.

[George Stimson]

Bumped up for George.

Thank you!
My S-W has a "3."

[Bob Hunter*]

My only S-W has a "1" in that position.

[George Stimson]

And I've gotten another one in recently which also has a "1."

[Tiger 1]

For what it's worth.

For a similar example, on daggers, you will find number benchmarks (1 thru 9) on the bottom of early Eickhorn SA daggers and some SS daggers. Other edged weapon makers have also used a variety of marks as inspection or individual smith and assembler marks.

Given that, I think these are nothing more mysterious than an individual craftsman's or inspectors marks. The hinge and pin are not so critically fitted that they would need to be individually numbered as would say a dagger or sword blade to the hilt fittings. A larger firm such as S-W would have quite a few assemblers given the common availablity of their EKs. It's quite reasonable that these numbers could have been an in house means of production accountability at some point.

Just some thoughts.

Tony