African Big Five Set

PUMA African Big Five Set, the model number is 16 120. This set is one of PUMA’S most stunning knife sets. The PUMA 1979 "THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE " Knife Set. The set is gorgeous and the Ivory Micarta handles are hand scrimshaw with hand engraved polished brass bolsters. There were only 160 sets produced by PUMA. The PUMA model number is 16-120 No. 5. There are five Puma (5) knife models in this set. 

PUMA originally was going to produce 500 of each knife and 200 sets, but only 160 sets where completed, and all 500 knives where never completed. All five knives have matching serial numbers. This set has a very low serial number 5.

The satin finished blades have awesome deep zebra etching filled with gold on both sides of the blades. The brass bolsters are elaborately hand engraved. The hand engraving was done by the PUMA master engravers, Jürg and Gerda Hensel and their team of engravers and carvers.

The knives come in a very nice presentation display wood box that is lined with red velvet and trimmed with gold rope. The set comes with the guarantee control tag. The tag number is is 25082. This indicates this set was hand made at PUMA Werks in the 2nd half of 1980.

PUMA only made 160 of these sets and each is individually serial numbered. This knife set is serial number 5. The serial number is engraved on the back of the blade.

The five knife models in the set are:

1) Leopard: 16 - 155, 3" closed

2) Lion: 16 - 160, 3 3/4" closed

3) Cape Buffalo: 16 - 165, 4 1/4" closed

4) Rhino: 16 - 170, 5" closed

5) Elephant: 16 - 175, 5 1/2" closed

Each knife features an engraved and gold filled Solingen stainless steel blade. The handles are hand scrimshawed Ivory Micarta. Each handle has three polished brass rivets. The handles have the picture and name of "THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE" on the front and rear of the handle. 

The five knives came in the original factory PUMA presentation wood box with the guarantee control tag. This set also comes with the PUMA papers that introduced this set in the Gutmann dealer catalog. The catalog was number 19 in 1979.

These PUMA knives were hand made in Solingen, Germany in 1980 and were made to the the highest PUMA quality in Solingen, Germany. 

Knife Features:

Blade Material: Solingen Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Scrimshaw Ivory Micarta
Blade Type: Clip

The set of magnificent knives inspired by the majestic wild beauty of the African continent. PUMA-WERK Solingen, West Germany created a masterpiece collection of five knives named "THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE" manufactured in 1980.  The guarantee control number (25082) which is stamped on each knife blade lock release buttons. 

Engraved on one side of each blade is: PUMA Germany 63 and a Rifle with numeral number V with the outline of Africa and a bullet. On the other side of each blade is engraved "THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE" with a rifle and crossed swords or machetes. These knives are magnificently engraved, both the blades and the handles. Both insignia are nestled in an exotic African flower.

The handles are Ivory Micarta; each hand scrimshawed on both sides with the animal on one side – its name on the other side. 

The five knife models are:

1) Is the Leopard with a Leopard head engraved on one side and the word Leopard on the opposing side.

 2) Is the Lion with a Lions head engraved on one side and the word Lion on the other side. 

3) Is the Cape Buffalo with a Cape Buffalo Head engraved on one side and the words Cape Buffalo on the other. 

4) Is the Rhino with a Rhino Head engraved on one side and the word Rhino on the other. 

5) Is the largest and is an Elephant with a Bull Elephant engraved on one side and the word Elephant on the other.

On the front side of each handle is the Roman Numerical V in very ornate engraving and on each side of the bolster is the head of a PUMA with the word PUMA underneath.

Each knife is in mint condition and all have the factory sharpened edge. The overall length with blade open of each knife is as follows:

 
The overall length of the knives open are:

#1 Leopard: 5 1/4"

#2 Lion: 6 5/8"

#3 Cape Buffalo: 7 3/8"

#4 Rhino: 8 5/8"

#5 Elephant: 9 7/8"

 
The set is displayed in a the PUMA factory wooden dovetailed box, with brass hinges and clasps. The overall box measurements are 12 1/8" long x 8 1/2" wide x 1 3/8" thick. Stamped on top of the case is: ”THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE" along with the PUMA Trade Mark.