This listing is for a vintage Camillus Camco Brand #523 Serpentine Jack Pocket Knife. The primary blade tang is stamped "Camco U.S.A." on the mark side. The pile side tang is stamped with the model #523. The Camco Brand was introduced by Camillus in 1948 and it was continued until 2007 when Camillus went out of business. The knife has two carbon steel blades. The bolsters are nickel/silver. The liner and scale pins are brass. The scales are plastic composite. It measures approximately 3 inches closed. 

The knife has been cleaned and polished. The "Before" and "After" photos of the knife are listed side by side. The photos with the yellow background are the "Before" photos. They show the condition of the knife before any cleanup work was performed. The photos with the black background show the knife “After” cleaning, polishing or repairs.

The determination of a knife’s condition is highly subjective, and opinions usually vary. Condition functions such as the degree of snap or blade play when deployed are always just a matter of opinion. However, the blades have snap and no wobble. You will have to make a final condition determination from the listing photos. Although the photos may not show every possible detail, please review them carefully and make your own best judgement regarding condition. I will answer any questions.

I want to be very clear about the work I do on these knives. I’m not a professional restorer. I have been doing this as a hobby for many years. I’m just trying to save some old pocketknives from the scrap bin. I try to make knives useable and presentable.

Typically, these knives are in very rough condition when I acquire them. That’s why I usually provide the listing photos of the knives before they are cleaned. It allows a visual inspection of the changes that were made to the knife. The grinding, sanding, or polishing of blades/metals is fine for most knives but will devalue an antique or high-end collectible more than the pitting, rust or corrosion.  I do not clean high-end collectible knives. I believe most knife collectors prefer their knives to be cleaned rather in poor condition

The fact that I usually list them for only 99 cents should explain a lot. I realize some collectors do not like knives that have been cleaned. Also, some collectors prefer their knives to be cleaned with paper/solvent only.  Therefore, if you are one of those collectors, these knives are not for you. 

I understand and appreciate the fact that you will be spending your hard-earned money if you win this auction. Of course, I would like all buyers to be satisfied with their purchase.  However, I realize on occasion there are unanticipated issues or just plain buyer remorse. If you have any issues AT ALL just send me a message. It's not about money with me and I will provide a satisfactory solution.   I’m extremely flexible with my return policy and of course returns are free.  The shipping cost is kept as low as possible. The knife will be wrapped in bubble wrap and shipped in a padded pouch.