HI
From before i had the date June 1962, when Victorinox delivered the 93mm Alox red Soldier, inspired by lately talk , been interested in knowing if 1957 was the first year the Pioneer range came to be and that it must be the origin of the 1961.. I got this information from Victorinox:
The Pioneer Range was introduced the first time to the market in 1957. This range had led to the development of the soldier knife (model 1961) with red aluminium handles and was delivered the first time to the Swiss Army in June 1962. However, there was no shipment to the Swiss Army by Victorinox in 1960 and 1961 whereas Wenger produced the former model during these two years.
This should be best possible information...
I put the words exactly how was told this got me on track again..
NM