For those curious about extra information I was researching. I did study 4K UHD footage but sadly the research was inconclusive. I do have extra feelers out and a lead on a true NOS but until then I can at least share what I did learn.
So what now Nickel, surely there’s nothing else to discuss. Those who care about 102-12 accuracy would have noticed the “CASE XX” engraving depicted on each catalogue entry (see the middle of each blade side profile image).
When I originally did my research I spotted this inconsistency on RL variants however put it down to being a catalogue only differentiator between 10" vs 12". It wasn’t until I found this older image of a 102-12 that I realised that it wasn’t catalogue only and was in fact something Case featured on their physical blades.
So why don’t we see this on 102-12’s floating around the intranet (with intact engravings)? Worn away? Added inaccurately as part of some replica project? The example image above is clearly an older variant so it’s very possible Case just stopped featuring this differentiator but if so why keep featuring it in the catalogue? There’s many lookalikes and replicas out there with inaccurate details so it’s very hard to confirm, hence turning my attention to 4K UHD footage. I had hoped 4K UHD would give me a glimmer of the CASE XX text but sadly the shadowing just covers the relevant area.
Anyway, another little nugget of 102-12 information to share this spooky season.
Happy Holidays!