SCHRADE CUT CO Rare Large Single 3 3/4" Spear blade vintage automatic knife

SCHRADE CUT CO Rare Large Single 3 3/4" Spear blade vintage automatic knife made in Walden, NY between 1907 and 1946 pattern 1404AC. These 3 3/4" single blade automatics are not common, most likely because they are the perfect size to carry/use and most were likely work out and discarded over the year, or possibly much lower production than the 2 blade version. Of the few 3 3/4" singles that have showed up over the years, a percentage of them have mismatched scales (handles). My theory is that a company that made colorful synthetics bought a bunch of these knives when new and put different samples of their materials on the backside of the knives. (no drilling for buttons or safeties needed), and presented them to Schrade for consideration to sell them their products. Whatever the case I've seen at least 10 of these knives with mismatched scales over the years and the pinning looks old. Likely before 1930.

This knife measures 3 3/4 inches closed and 6 1/4 inches open with brass liners, steel button and nickel silver safety. The spear point blade is 97% full with light patina and light scratches and the tang is stamped SCHRADE CUT CO WALDEN, NY and the reverse is blank, but I think it originally had patent dates that were worn/sanded off for some reason. The scale colors are different as you can see in the pics, with the front scale being original to the knife and both in good condition. The knife works well with blade tip just above the liners closed, opens fully with good lockup with about 1/8 inch up and down at the tip. Barely rattles if shaken with blade open. Safety works. VG condition.