Nice collection Guido!

The Minis #25, #1 and the #3's all had the transponder in them...

We finally dropped them when we couldn't put one in the #14, also since they are the only stamps with a "m" (for mini) it kind of made them unnecessary...

Thanks Jeff,I'm cleaning mine up now after seeing Guidos

The Mini #25's (at least the latest offering, i.e. the 1500) had transponders. With the advent of the second of the "newer" minis, i.e. the Model #1's. the blade stamp was very..."VERY" model specific to minis only. You will notice that the small stainless stamp denotation (The "S:) was replaced with an "M". To the best of my knowledge, there has never been an example of a fake "M" stamped mini. The transponder was dropped after the #3 mini, I believe.
Now then: "Earlier" minis? That's another story. Many...many fakes out there. Buy from a reliable, trustworthy dealer. Ask for either a COA or right of refusal, upon a return within 15 days. I would gladly agree to these terms. If a dealer would not agree? Caveat Emptor!
Gary Randall made all of minis that were displayed on the old board, behind the sales display cases, in the shop. I'm sure those minis are now in the museum. Interestingly, only the #18 mini (I think) had any type of blade stamp. I am not sure GTR made the "first" minis but he made those just mentioned at least.
I recently sold several "older" minis. One was a Mini #25, made from a Model #10-3" blade by Tom Leschorn. Two others were made much earlier and one even has a seperate "S". I got them from Perry and they have been "blessed" as authentic.
Care must be taken but authentic minis still hold good value and should be prized by their collector. The #14 minis (New addition) were produced in larger quantity (3,000) and will have lesser value than the other 4 (newer) minis. I have one being shipped back from "The James Gang" (Behring Made Knives) which I had re-handled. It was a trade to me, sold by me originally, and will only be represented as "what it is".
I promise photos of this Lil' beauty, once received. James and I are using this blade (length and shape) as the template, if you will, for a new series he is making as an exclusive to me: "Quad C-#2)..Capt. Chris' Copper Camper"!! More to come...Great topic for discussion Tom. Well done!
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Sorry Scott:
I was "typing" while you were "posting".
Capt. Chris
PS: Here's a pic, compliments of "The James Gang"...(It's "in the wind" to me) more later...CCS

I have some of all the mini's including model 18's. This model #2 was pretty rare. It's the last knife deal I made with Tom Clinton.... I sold to him his last year at Blade Show.

Cap't Chris,

Sweet on there!

Tom Flynn

Bob,

Nice set; I am still a few short, but working on it!

Tom Flynn

Guido,

As always a great set & presentation. The Model# 18 and the engraved # 25 are fantastic.

Tom Flynn

Mitchell,

Great mini# 2!

Tom Flynn