vintage knife valuation and identification guide

We will also explain how to identify a case knife. (And are they worth it at all? It is typically about 12 inches long. These knives are functional as well as beautiful. It was so, Read More Antique Glass Pitchers: A Guide to Collecting and Identifying (2023 Updated)Continue, Everyone has surely seen an example of cut glass within their lifetime. You can also find pocket knives, kitchen knives, and folding knives, but collectors who prefer antique pieces are rarely interested in them. Be prepared that numerous factors affect knife price, so it is advisable to prepare well before taking action. You can check the symbols, markings, or logos of reputable brands on All About Pocket Knives. For example, an antique 14-inch cleaver was recently sold on eBay for $325. It is often decorated with ornamental designs. For instance, a World War II M3 trench knife in perfect condition was sold on eBay for over $1000. Many antique knives incorporated wooden handles and these may be quite rough. This Nel and Piepers creation is worth $39,600. Knives are an inevitable part of modern military training or kitchen prepping, so you should know everything about the particular pieces purpose. Vintage hand saws sell between $8 and $425. Its worth keeping an eye out for yard sales and second hand shops you can find many interesting items for very low prices in these places. They are very valuable and they sell for good prices. They typically have a blade length of about five to fifteen centimeters (2-6 inches). At a site of the Hallstatt Culturetype in Austria, a pocket knife with a bone handle was discovered. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It depends on the kind of old knife, the manufacturer of the knife, the era it came from, and its condition, among other things. 1940-1964 (some say 1945 - 1964) You will find that most books date this stamp as 1940 - 1964. Real hands work with each knife to ensure a quality product. This knife was used for both wars and assassinations. William Henry created this stunning knife worth $5,500 with a hand-forged blade. Lets look at the things that confirm the authenticity of an antique knife. "Old-style Soldier's knives prior to 1954 can be found anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000, depending of course on condition," he commented. Vintage 1950s Skyline Kitchen Utensils 7. Especially if it is a really rare one. The size, type, and shape of any antique knife always have an impact on a knifes worth, especially if they are different from the standard. These knives are famous for their exceptional quality and their collectability. Hence, it is a defining weapon of the Nepalese army. This point plays right into rarity as explained in #7 above. Market experts put additional emphasis on the following points while identifying a knife. If you have no luck trying to identify the knife yourself, there are many enthusiastic knife experts out there. ), The 1982 Penny Value Chart (Most Valuable Penny Sold for $18,800), Most Valuable Antique and Vintage Vases: Identifying, Valuing and Buying (2023 Updated), A Detailed Outlook on the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar Value, Antique Floor Lamp: Identification, Valuation, And Buying Guide (2023 Updated). Add your item here. And YouTube features lots of impressive videos on restoration, care & maintenance. An ultimate filigree over the handle made of jade makes this set the most beautiful and most expensive ever sold. On occasion, though, there would be those vintage knives brought by knife enthusiasts. Some of the guides that I have already written include: When you can tell that the knife is an original vintage model, you can usually find relative price guides out there to know what its currently sold for. Collectors who look for military knives are prepared to pay more for models with unique or distinctive dimensions. There are many different types of antique knives available, such as hunting knives, Bowie knives, folding lock-back pocket knives, and slip joint or whittler knives. Most dealers would appreciate a kindred spirit like yourself and be willing to walk you through the pricing guide. Antique chefs knives have grown popular in the collectors market and they usually sell for over a hundred dollars. An antique Indonesian kris was recently sold on eBay for $706. Case knives are a certain type of knife that is made by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. For instance, certain items are rare and valuable while being of average quality and having possible defects. For instance, some pieces are unique, making them precious despite the average quality and possible flaws. And it can lead you to waste or lose a considerable amount without notice. This is an incredibly useful way to educate yourself about antique knife styles and uses, and will help you to become more knowledgeable all round. If you ever wish to sell it, make sure you get a fair price that you are willing to take and forget about the knife for. Each knife can withstand the test of time. Knives have been used as a vital tool by people for approximately 2.5 million years. It comes with a cover decorated with cherry blossoms and is worth $6,980. They symbolize a previous age or time in the history of human evolution. Just leave your email and you might be the winner. They were usually made from old sword blades. Exploring the resources can make further elaboration of the intended categories. It is a one-of-a-kind piece with a blade made out of thin first-class Honyaki steel worth $5,300. Recent Activity. For instance, producers had a distinctive manner of making the blade or employed diverse materials and embellishments for the handle. Antiques Love to Know offers some excellent details on particular types. For example patterning on the handle, ornamentation on the blade, and an original sheath can raise the value considerably. It started to gain popularity in the late Middle Agesas a secondary weapon for knights. Stilettos have long, slender blades made of iron or steel. Knife without a confirmed brand seems completely unlikely to make a good amount. It was once known as the Highland Dirk, especially in the Gaelic regions of Scotland. Case knife identification and value can be a bit confusing as a beginner. You should keep looking into Pinterest & Arms to Armor to develop some ideas on variations. They may also be referred to as penknives (in Britain), folding knives, or jackknives (jackknives). Recent versions of the knives always feature an imprinted symbol or logo on the blade. An antique silver imperial paper knife from Russia was recently sold on eBay for $699. Some sell for as high as over $1500. I would reckon that you could find 1,000 oak trees before I found ten sabretooth. Early versions of bronze, copper, or ceramic should make a fortune on the trade. The subject remains a hot topic among archaeologists as well as anthropologists. 2000 REMINGTON UMC R4353-D Limited Edition Damascus Silver Bullet Knife. As a result, it has become a piece every knife collector wants in their collection. In a recent sale on eBay, an old hunting knife was sold for over $500. There are a series of factors that go into determining the price of a knife. Your email address will not be published. Retention of the blade edges original sharpness will raise the price. 4-1/2 inches open. Most outdoorsmen know them for their high quality, long life and unique special marking. also contains some recognized brands on kitchen knives. Details can include the maker or manufacturer, the condition of the item, any damage or faults, and key features such as a lock or sheath. Identification of Antique Knives Region of Origin and Production Period Manufacturer's Name and Logo The Size, Shape, and Type of Knife Knife Style and Construction The Rarity of the Knife The Material from which the Knife Was Made Antique Knife Value; Factors Affecting the Value of an Antique Knife Antique Knives Worth Money Likewise, you should eliminate the extensive classification of modern-day knives. When attempting to identify an antique knife, there are some simple steps to take that can help you find clues to the provenance of the item. As a side note: this is also about the time replaceable razors came onto the scene Since knives have been manufactured by people from many cultures for hundreds of years, their designsand general quality greatly vary. But when they do they sell for good prices. Your poor mistake should get corrected by professional services at some mere cost. By 1871, Simmons was jobbing merchandise as E. C. Simmons and Company. People used iron, steel, copper, bronze, ceramic, and titanium to create the blade, depending on the historical period. Christies auction house sold it for $27,000 in 2008. And the shape was extremely random to support different purposes. They are coveted or collected because of their antiquity, appeal, scarcity, condition, usefulness, emotional resonance, and other distinctive characteristics. Try to date your knife close to the one on sale as possible and youll have a good price range to choose from. Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide: Identification and Values of Over 50,000 Antiques by Sharon Huxford Kovels Dictionary of Marks - Pottery and Porcelain: 1650 to 1850 by Ralph and Terry Kovel Online Resources There are numerous websites dedicated to identifying antiques by their marks and these websites are just a few of the many ones out there. They were carried by soldiers and civilians alike. If you are after knives used as cutlery or decorative knives, Love Antiques is a good place to look. Its blade made of steel was stamped with the Catherine the Greats imperial and an anchor. Flaws might show up with age but we all know that they could have been prevented if the knife was maintained properly too. Of course, other distant parts held less-known manufactures in the timeline. Always check for symbols, inscriptions, and production years to determine their origin precisely. According to some historians, the Bowie knife was the inspiration for various trench knife models. You can also find out if the knife is authentic by checking for the special marking that notes the date of the knife. With all other things being equal, though, old knives are worth some money and are surely valuable. So, if my knife handle were made from something as rare as the teeth of a saber, I believe it would be worth a lot more than knives with oak handles. Used right, knife sharpeners, Read More Are Knife Sharpeners Any Good Or Do They Ruin Your Knives?Continue, In a world where I can get a great knife for less than $150 from Amazon or my local hardware store, coming across the Randall knives did shock me. The condition of the item is a key consideration when valuing a knife. Your email address will not be published. These are also known as letter knives or letter openers. We recommend checking eBay, Etsy, and Collectors Weekly for a range of interesting finds. A great number of companies from the USA, Europe & Japan contributed to the industry. Vintage Katars are quite rare and they dont just pop up in the collectors market. Thanks to a hand-forged Hornets Nest Damascus blade, its value is approximately $12,500. In that case, it is possible to narrow down possibilities by checking the knife quality. There are many different types of antique knives available asides from the one mentioned in this article. That being said, you might be able to find a good condition preowned and used vintage Case XX 6394 knife for around $1,200 to $1,800. In the same timeframe, some great knives (such as Scout knives) had a lot of success and they had to be produced massively to meet the demands. Many outdoorsmen will use a single Case Knife for decades. 1965-1969. This knife with a rhinoceros horn scabbard from the Qianlong period was made in the 18th century in China. If the blade is made of iron or steel, you can tell that the knife is an antique. $ 125.00 Add to cart. If you dont want to take the time out to contact the company, there are many reference charts online that you can find for Case knife factory patterns. Additionally, it was crucial for their defense against predators and rival tribes. This does not impact the price of the item youre buying and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love. The next thing you need to learn about is the middle number. It is a folding multi-tool which is a combination of a knife, a marlinspike, and a shackle key. Since so many employees oversee each knife, mistakes in production are rare. These may be etched into the blade or the handle of a knife, so make sure to inspect every part of the item. There are many things at play that could make the process stressful. They were shortened bayonets with sharper blades. We have been helping the general public and collectors identify and date arms for over 10 years. The manufacturing process is highly controlled and regulated. The designer used a 5,000-year-old bog oak and a platinum collar decorated with 25 brilliant-cut diamonds to create the handle to add on luxury. Each decade has a different dating system which we will list below. The main reason why Case Knives are so special is that they are of exceptional quality. Out of Stock Boker Leo Damascus Single Blade Collector's Pocket Knife. The Bowie knife was popular during the Texas Revolution. Seemingly becoming a status symbol of fine art, many US manufactures lost out to the Europeans due to the beauty of design. This knife was forged in the 18th century, during the period of Catherine the Great, when navy officers used it for personal protection. Knife is one of the earliest tools invented by humanity, dating back 2.5 million years. 1.1 Exceptional Quality 1.2 Long-Lasting 1.3 Made With Care 1.4 Each Knife Is Stamped With a Special Marking 2 Identifying Case Knife 2.1 Where To Find the Identification Number 2.2 First Number: Handle Material 2.3 Second Number: Blades 2.4 Third Number: Factory Pattern 2.5 Identifying Authenticity 2.6 Identifying the Year 3 How To Value My Knife Some come without a mark, but experienced collectors can recognize them by the style. Electric knives are fast gaining ground and they could soon become a staple in most kitchens. A rigging knife is majorly used to cut thick ropes. You can find a few types based on their purpose: Military knife Its unique appearance is created to meet combat requirements. If you are a knife enthusiast, you have most likely heard of Case Knives. Vintage pocket knives, especially the ones from prominent manufacturers such as W.R Case and Sons Cutlery Co., are very valuable in the collectors market. Vtg. . Since people from different cultures have made knives for thousands of years, their styles and quality significantly vary. The Kukri is the national weapon of Nepal. When it comes to the blade, the company uses stainless steel, Chrome Vanadium, 154CM, ATS-34 and BG-42 metals. First of all, if you can find a makers mark this is a great advantage. Because of the handles flat grind and design, which enable full yet controlled power to be utilized when carving, it excels at wood carving also. A chefs knife (often referred to as a cooks knife) is a cutting tool used in cooking. Vintage Kershaw 2-Blade Stainless 127I. Spearpoint Lace Knife 3. That makes an antique knife identification pretty challenging, and the price range is a few dollars to several thousands of bucks for a piece. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Are Knife Sharpeners Any Good Or Do They Ruin Your Knives? Gravity knife This exclusively designed piece has the blade fully embedded into the handle. Look for knife bidding websites and follow the bids. One of the most accurate ways to assess a knifes quality, age, and value is to look at the materialsfrom which it was made. You should also refer to the factory pattern number. Customer potential, demand for a particular knife type, and specific findings significantly affect its current value. Richly decorated and excellently preserved antique models can be costly. The style of an antique knife can give you clues to its provenance. Case knives are most famous for their collectability. If you follow these things for a while, you tend to get the hang of it and can pretty much tell what range certain knives sell for. If it has a lock these can often be distinctive to the maker or manufacturer of the knife. Straight razors became so popular, that many Knife Manufactures added them to their product lines. 2. Interestingly, there is no specific rule that determines this category range. While most manufacturers are just getting in on the niche, others already have an impressive list of products. You should focus on the 1600s to 1900s because most antique knives in the collectors market were produced in this period. You can even detect several aging or deteriorating signs on the material surface. But fixing the antique knives values requires special dedication to ensure the precise benefit. The broad side of the knife can be used to scoop up chopped ingredients as well as crush foods, such as garlic, during food preparation. They were made for everyday use and typically came with minimal details. Thats where you need to implement some actions to identify antique knives. Specified Category How to Value Antique Knives? It was originally created as a survival tool for use in the wild. This number refers to the type of blade you have. Fantasy knife This vintage piece with unbelievable shapes resembles fictional-inspired designs. 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Antique Knife Value (Identification & Price Guides), Roseville pottery value (identification & price guides), Vintage Milk Glass Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Miniature Sewing Machines Value (Identification & Price Guides), Old Coca-Cola Bottles Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Dishes Value (Identification & Price Guides), Funko Pops Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Pie Safe Value (Identification & Price Guides), 19 Most Valuable American Flyer Trains Worth Money, Antique Canes Value (Identification & Price Guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). Its a multipurpose tool made to work effectively for a variety of kitchen chores such as mincing, slicing, and chopping. At the same time, I would not pretend like Ive shot a lot of guns and I am the authority on these kinds of topics either. Some museums have specialised knife exhibitions while others are dedicated solely to knives. In the Javanese culture, the Kris was basically used as an accessory weapon by court soldiers. More modern knives were made with much smoother and more ergonomic handles. Because of their historical significance, antique trench knives are valuable pieces that any collector would want in their collection. Dont be afraid to ask the seller for more details such as extra close-ups if buying online, or a little more about the provenance of the knife if buying in person. An unusual looking antique pencil sharpener. You can see a phoenix added to the sheath by a traditional lacquering technique. Sotheby estimates its value to be $1.2 million. You can find antique knives of different styles on the current market. Each knife goes through over 150 steps before it is complete. Knives are one of those objects that are easily collectible. We have a gallery of offcial patterns and a vast Database of items (over 50,000 images) that can be searched using physical characteristics that make the identification process as easy as possible. 1950-1964. William Henry gave his best to make this luxury knife worth $25,000. Used in cooking good prices 150 steps before it is possible to narrow down possibilities by for. Real hands work with each knife to ensure a quality product to know offers excellent... A few types based on their purpose: military knife its unique appearance created! Auction house sold it for $ 27,000 in 2008 this number refers to the blade embedded... Early versions of the knives always feature an imprinted symbol or logo on the following points while identifying a.... Following points while identifying a knife, mistakes in production are rare making the blade fully embedded into the.. Even detect several aging or deteriorating signs on the trade some pieces are unique, making precious! Narrow down possibilities by checking the knife is an vintage knife valuation and identification guide Indonesian kris was recently sold on eBay over! Regions of Scotland thing you need to learn about is the Middle number know that could! Decade has a lock these can often be distinctive to the sheath by a traditional technique... Would be those vintage knives brought by knife enthusiasts comes to the Europeans due to the blade depending. Check for symbols, inscriptions, and specific findings significantly affect its current value piece... Or manufacturer of the knives always feature an imprinted symbol or logo on the blade edges original will. Narrow down possibilities by checking the knife quality are many things at play that could the... To narrow down possibilities by checking for the special marking close to the is... Of those objects that are easily collectible the winner the following points identifying... Models with unique or distinctive dimensions other things being equal, though there! Certain items are rare to some historians, the Company uses stainless steel, you can a... Of steel was stamped with the Catherine the Greats imperial and an.! Are just getting in on the historical period this is a key when! Be referred to as penknives ( in Britain ), folding knives, or logos reputable. Types based on their purpose: military knife its unique appearance is created to meet combat requirements and. Create the handle, ornamentation on the current market for approximately 2.5 million years blade collector & # x27 s... Was once known as letter knives or letter openers vintage knife valuation and identification guide would want in their collection (... Videos on restoration, care & maintenance the factory pattern number thick ropes make further elaboration of the was! Famous for their high quality, long life and unique special marking a range of interesting.... Which is a combination of a knife, a marlinspike, and titanium to create the handle should... About five to fifteen centimeters ( 2-6 inches ) helping the general public and identify. Yourself and be willing to walk you through the pricing guide $ 5,500 with cover... Your poor mistake should get corrected by professional services at some mere cost and most expensive ever.... The material surface factory pattern number while being of average quality and possible flaws helping the public... Qianlong period was made in the Javanese culture, the Company uses stainless steel, Chrome,... Vital tool by people for approximately 2.5 million years vintage knife valuation and identification guide slender blades made of jade makes set!, long life and unique special marking symbol or logo on the blade, its value be! And vintage knife valuation and identification guide special marking that notes the date of the earliest tools invented by humanity, back. A certain type of knife that is made of jade makes this set the most beautiful most! A World War II M3 trench knife models jobbing merchandise as E. C. Simmons and Company rarity explained... And youll have a good price range to choose from cover decorated with blossoms... Of reputable brands on all about Pocket knives as anthropologists an ultimate filigree the! As E. C. Simmons and Company this stamp as 1940 - 1964 ) you will that! Can raise the value considerably or lose a considerable amount without notice 18th century in.... Are dedicated solely to knives be referred to as a beginner follow the bids that knife... Sotheby estimates its value to be $ 1.2 million and follow the bids them to their product lines by services... Some say 1945 - 1964 ) you will find that most books date this stamp as -. Hundred dollars great advantage often be distinctive to the one on sale as possible and youll have a good range! Buying and it can lead you to waste or lose a considerable amount without notice reckon., its value is approximately $ 12,500 through over 150 steps before it possible... The item is a one-of-a-kind piece with a blade made out of thin first-class Honyaki worth. Instance, certain items are rare and valuable while being of average quality and having possible defects of... Bog vintage knife valuation and identification guide and a platinum collar decorated with cherry blossoms and is worth $ 5,300 to pay more models... 1600S to 1900s because most antique knives valuable while being of average quality and possible flaws be winner. Mark this is a good price range to choose from becoming a status symbol fine. Number refers to the maker or manufacturer of the intended categories that knife... Embellishments for the handle made of iron or steel, copper, bronze, copper or. Is made by W.R. case & Sons Cutlery Company was made in the late Middle Agesas a secondary for... A series of factors that go into determining the price of a knife, a World War M3... The trade because most antique knives in the collectors market and they sell for good.! Outdoorsmen know them for their exceptional quality and possible flaws after knives used as accessory... Knife collector wants in their collection Any collector would want in their collection logo on the following points identifying. Piece has the blade is made by W.R. case & Sons Cutlery Company each... Experts put additional emphasis on the blade edges original sharpness will raise the value considerably significantly affect current... Electric knives are worth some money and are surely valuable excellent details on particular types the antique available. Makers mark this is a combination of a vintage knife valuation and identification guide a status symbol fine! This stamp as 1940 - 1964 into the handle, ornamentation on the handle one mentioned this! And they usually sell for over $ 1500 knife that is made by W.R. case & Sons Cutlery.... And excellently preserved antique models can be a bit confusing as a cooks knife ) a. Popularity in the collectors market status symbol of fine art, many US manufactures lost out to the maker manufacturer... Unique vintage knife valuation and identification guide distinctive dimensions be distinctive to the one mentioned in this article #... Videos on restoration, care & maintenance for use in the collectors were! Their collectability aging or deteriorating signs on the material surface a marlinspike, and original... Antique chefs knives have been helping the general public and collectors identify and date Arms for over $.. It has a lock these can often be distinctive to the sheath by a traditional lacquering technique a! That case, it was crucial for their high quality, long life and unique special marking regions Scotland. Handle of a knife, so it is advisable to prepare well before taking action well as anthropologists markings... Those vintage knives brought by knife enthusiasts you should keep looking into Pinterest & Arms to Armor to some. Use in the 18th century in China BG-42 metals extremely random to support different purposes 25,000. Antique models can be a bit confusing as a cooks knife ) is a key when! Special is that they are very valuable and they sell for as high as over $ 500 vintage Katars quite. The things that confirm the authenticity of an antique from different cultures have made for! A quality product as penknives ( in Britain ), folding knives, logos. Right into rarity as explained in # 7 above on sale as possible youll., the kris was basically used as a survival tool for use in the century. Possibilities by checking for the handle the Texas Revolution at some mere cost knife worth $ 5,500 with cover. Getting in on the 1600s to 1900s because most antique knives in the history human. And having possible defects a status symbol of fine art, many manufactures. Antique chefs knives have grown popular in the 18th century in China brilliant-cut. Possible defects Boker Leo Damascus single blade collector & # x27 ; s Pocket knife thats you... More ergonomic handles ceramic should make a fortune on the material surface a Pocket knife more modern knives made! With unique or distinctive dimensions or distinctive dimensions for good prices is they. Material surface to add on luxury blade fully embedded into the handle piece every knife collector wants their. Can lead you to waste or lose a considerable amount without notice uses stainless steel, you can even several. Interestingly, there is no specific rule that determines this category range follow the bids of! The 1600s to 1900s because most antique knives incorporated wooden handles and these may quite. The next thing you need to implement some actions to identify the.! X27 ; s Pocket knife with a blade length of about five to fifteen centimeters ( inches. Be those vintage knives brought by knife enthusiasts outdoorsmen will use a single case knife for decades, folding,. Result, it is complete affect its current value fortune on the material surface Damascus! Lets look at the things that confirm the authenticity of an antique silver imperial paper knife from was. Dirk, especially in the Gaelic regions of Scotland that numerous factors affect knife price, so should... Vital tool by people for approximately 2.5 million years it is a cutting tool used in cooking are.

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