Schrade Walden Craftsman 9540 Vintage 1950 Red folding guard automatic knife

Vintage Schrade Walden Red Craftsman switchblade with folding guards made in Walden, NY around 1950. These were made for Sears and were featured in at least the 1951 Sears summer catalog. These were originally etched "CRAFTSMAN" over the model number "9540", but it was an acid etch which was fragile and usually got worn off with some use. This knife has none of the original etch remaining.

The knife measures 4 1/4 inches closed and 7 1/4" open with brass liners, steel folding guards and nickel silver bolsters, button & safety. The clip blade is 97% full or better and shiny. The handles (scales) are made from a Red synthetic material and are in good condition with one pin crack on the back scale. The knife functions well with blade tip below the liners closed, good snap and average lockup with about 1/8" up and down at the tip. Safety works. VG+ condition. Nice 70+ year old Craftsman switchblade knife.