vintage knife valuation and identification guide

Others were made in limited editions, while some models were mass-produced, affecting their prices. The actual range of consideration remains confined to the 1600s/1700s the 1900s. Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on the sale. First of all, if you can find a makers mark this is a great advantage. Buyers felt the fancier, the better. Look For Maker's Marks Or Distinctive Symbols Maker's marks can range from a name to initials, a small illustration or logo, a series of numbers or even a few lines. The most popular are trench knives from WWI with finger-hole grips, Russian troopers daggers used in the early 1900s, and Kukri (Gurkha) knives, the national model of Nepal. However, its the blade quality that defines the actual differences from early materials. Nesmuk Jahrhundert Messer 1. Some lack a mark, but experienced collectors can identify them by style. Lets discover how to determine your knifes origin and price precisely. The first models had stone, wood, or bone construction with random shapes and werent overly sharp. An ultimate filigree over the handle made of jade makes this set the most beautiful and most expensive ever sold. Its hand-engraved handle shows a three-headed dragon decorated with 24-karat gold and copper. Stilettos have a handle or scabbard that is ornamental. They were shortened bayonets with sharper blades. There are many different types of materials to shape the blade for practical application. While some models were mass-produced, others were created in restricted quantities, which had an impact on their prices. A rigging knife is majorly used to cut thick ropes. On the off-chance that you come across a vintage knife which you also have one of, ask the dealer for what its worth. We will also explain how to identify a case knife. Its incredibly difficult to describe the long timeline without skipping much info. 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. You should also check the edge sharpness and aging signs on the material. It is also best to approach those that you trust to be credible, else they could try to take the knife from you via shady tactics. What Are Boning Knives Used For? It is often decorated with ornamental designs. The style of an antique knife can give you clues to its provenance. It was also an object of spiritual importance and often displayed as magical talismans. Some old hunting knives come with blades that have guthooks. It started to gain popularity in the late Middle Agesas a secondary weapon for knights. According to the story, Mike Stewart (the VP of Marble at the time) thought that the knives should have a unique dating . They were usually made from old sword blades. If you are ready to learn more about Case knives, keep on reading. Staying up-to-date with the market is the only viable solution to the issue. The knife has a sturdy handle for gripping. Another feature that may be on your knife is a bronze-coloured logo that says that the product is a genuine Case knife collectable. If it has a lock these can often be distinctive to the maker or manufacturer of the knife. However, it is now a collectible knife. These items have been used as tools, weapons, in ceremonial situations, and as decorations. Since people have used knives for over 5,000 years, you can be sure that numerous types and variations have appeared over time. Seemingly becoming a status symbol of fine art, many US manufactures lost out to the Europeans due to the beauty of design. 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. 1) Age of knives or best guess. You can also gauge the value of an item by searching for similar items on antique selling sites including eBay (try the collectible knives category, and use the filters to match as closely as you can to your item) and Etsy. That highest bidder might not be bidding much anyway so you get a skewed idea of what the knife should cost. Try to date your knife close to the one on sale as possible and youll have a good price range to choose from. The material the handle is made out of can also be an ID feature. Top Rated Plus. This was proven true in an incident on September 20, 1958, when Izola Currystabbed Martin Luther King Jrin the chest with a paper knife in a department store in Harlem. Blade Material Steel or iron blades may impart lower tags as its somewhat newer. Popularity with collectors, among other things. Knife is one of the earliest tools invented by humanity, dating back 2.5 million years. Its the same for other standard types with distinctive or special dimensions. These knives are functional as well as beautiful. This company has been around since the late 19th century and produces several different products, including fixed blades, pocket knives and kitchen knives. "Very early ones from the 1890s with black-stained oak handles are certainly the most valuable. Although paper knives have a non-conventional simple function, most of them are quite strong that they can be used as weapons. ), most antique knives that are considered to be collectible were made between the 1600s and 1900s. He used the finest carbon steel to get a highly sharp cutting edge. This knife was forged in the 18th century, during the period of Catherine the Great, when navy officers used it for personal protection. For instance, an antique rigging knife made by Thomas Turner & Coduring the First World War was sold recently on eBay for roughly $223. Before, Read More How Much Is an Electric Knife? Note that even if the knives are made from the same brand, they might not be the same model nor from the same year. Bernard Levine's Knife Collecting & Identification Moderated by Bernard Levine, "The Knife Expert"; author of Levine's Guide to Knives and their Values, Blade Magazine Correspondent (since 1974) and Knife World Editor (since 1978). Surprisingly, the compulsory features history differs slightly from the knives. You must know the typology in order to confirm its authenticity from a manufacturer. Now that we have talked about the identification of antique knives, let us take a look at some valuable old knives that would make a nice addition to a collectors knife collection: Finnish woodsmen have been using the Puukko for over a thousand years to carry out their trade. Some manufacturing imperfections in the blade are normal. The material shouldnt get damaged enough to expose the joinery. For instance, some pieces are unique, making them precious despite the average quality and possible flaws. Each knife goes through over 150 steps before it is complete. 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. This knife was used for stabbing or thrusting. Specialised antique knife forums like All About Pocket Knives have many articles and threads relating to antique pocket knives. Knife without a confirmed brand seems completely unlikely to make a good amount. Vintage IMPERIAL USA White Celluloid Advertising Pen Knife - Curtis Industries Ohio. or the Subreddit forum WhatsThisWorth. The Puukko is employed for a variety of jobs around the farm, workshop, and forest. An antique Finnish Puukko that dates back to 1899 was sold recently at an online auction for $733. Nice Antique Butcher Knives Kitchen Tools 4. Hence, it is a defining weapon of the Nepalese army. If youve got one, hold on to it and probably pass it down. A Comprehensive Guide, Best Kershaw Knife for 2022 EDC Gear for Everyone. But early wooden handles had barely smooth or comfortable finishing from the outside. Knowing your knifes age is vital, but models from the same year wont be worth the same. Richly decorated and excellently preserved antique models can be costly. This pot metal piece fastens to a garment with a double-pronged clip known as a fur clip to collectors but found in patents noted as a pin clip. You should focus on the 1600s to 1900s because most antique knives in the collectors market were produced in this period. A trench knife is a combat knife made for close combat, in a restricted space such as in a trench, where it can be used to kill or incapacitate an enemy. The Kris has Javanese originsand is one of the weapons frequently employed in the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. Depending on the type of knife, its age, and its maker will determine the value of any antique knife. The type of knife will also alter the value check out this article for details on collectible knives. These knives now sell for prices as high as $1000 in the collectors market. You may need to contact the company to find out what exact blade the number represents. Blade Construction 3. Remember that any restoration you do on the latter knife will ruin its vintage appeal. This is usually not a true indicator of price sometimes since its the highest bidder that wins. It may either have a smooth strong blade that is suitable for hammering with a mallet to drive the knife through surfaces, or a serrated blade that is for sawing through thick ropes. When that time comes, here is a guide to appraise your knives and know what they are worth. When looking for one to buy, look through this knife dating category for some help, and make sure to avoid the mistakes above too. Out of Stock Boker Leo Damascus Single Blade Collector's Pocket Knife. On the other hand, a copper, bronze, or ceramic blade is a sign that you have an antique knife model. 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. Real hands work with each knife to ensure a quality product. The blade is typically the first place to search for the distinctive mark because it is nearly impossible to identify a model without one. Antique knives are attractive collectors pieces that can be displayed in any home. But when they do they sell for good prices. Since people from different cultures have made knives for thousands of years, their styles and quality significantly vary. For example, an antique 14-inch cleaver was recently sold on eBay for $325. Most Valuable Case Knives. Make sure you know what those are before you get started on buying any knife at all. Table of Contents. Once you have identified your knife, a good way to get an idea of its value is to have a look at antique valuing forums like TreasureNet Whats It Worth? Most people come to find out that it is the balisong knife after they only thought it was a butterfly knife. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Don't forget, this site will also display on mobile devices (smartphones, iPads, etc.) Antiques catalogues can also be helpful. $ 125.00 Add to cart. Your poor mistake should get corrected by professional services at some mere cost. Stilettos have long, slender blades made of iron or steel. Knives are an inevitable part of modern military training or kitchen prepping, so you should know everything about the particular pieces purpose. You can manage lots of displayable stuff without pushing the financial capability. Be prepared that numerous factors affect knife price, so it is advisable to prepare well before taking action. Join us to discover more about these incredible tools! At a site of the Hallstatt Culturetype in Austria, a pocket knife with a bone handle was discovered. Of course, other distant parts held less-known manufactures in the timeline. and there are many websites to offer antique knives sales & even purchase. vintage imperial England hunting knife With Sheath. I always recommend going with collectors and knife experts that know what they are doing. Specified Category How to Value Antique Knives? Show me your knife, and I'll tell you who you are. Knives have been used as a vital tool by people for approximately 2.5 million years. I know my knives - maybe not as well as my mother - but enough to write helpful guides for you. It was once known as the Highland Dirk, especially in the Gaelic regions of Scotland. People started to use knives as cutlery only around 500 years ago. You can identify the handle material by referring to the first number or letter of your knifes identification number. The Bowie knife is a 19th-century design. Vintage Kershaw 2-Blade Stainless 127I. Blade Condition The current condition counts extremely important for proper valuation. A Bowie knife can be identified by its thick blade and long handle. An antique Kukri was recently sold on eBay for $179. The manufacturing process is extensive and detail-orientated. 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. The Oldowan toolsare the oldest known knife-like tool to be discovered (in 2014) and they are about 2.5 million years old. 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. Lets look at how to identify the knife by a few different features, including the handle, number of blades, the factory pattern and date. 1970-1979. This does not impact the price of the item youre buying and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love. Resources to Use on Antique Knives Final Words What are Antique Knives? Some come without a mark, but experienced collectors can recognize them by the style. Look below to find out what number/letters represent each material. Older knives should value significantly more than its newer counterparts. On the other hand, damaged material will significantly reduce the price except in the case of antique and rare specimens. Therefore, you can find lots of content or articles online to study knife history. It belonged to the group of tools or weapons that came after stones and clubs. Most blades have exceptional edge retention and are easy to sharpen. The knife is well-known around the world for its functional design. Antique Knife Value (Identification & Price Guides) by Noname Antiques If you are into knives, you will probably start your own collection at some point. Most dealers would appreciate a kindred spirit like yourself and be willing to walk you through the pricing guide. While some collectibles will only ever live in a box, others are used as everyday knives. Majority of the antique knives integrated somewhat cheap wood for the handles. The Katar is a special type of knife (a push dagger) from the Indian Subcontinent. I dont think there are a lot of knife experts just walking the streets. )Continue, You dont become a knife collector by having just any kind of knife. It was made between 600 and 500 BCE. Furthermore, over 100 W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company employees handle the knife and work on it before it is done. BUCK'S DATE CODE CHART. (And are they worth it at all? They sell for prices between $70 and $300. Yoshihiro Mizuyaki Honyaki 9. The majority of Bowie knives have a wooden handle. Antique Circa-1900 German Pius Lang 100 Blade Exhibition Folding Knife Completed $4566 BIG ANTIQUE CIVIL WAR SHORT SWORD KNIFE KNIVES JOHNSTON Completed $4552.85 SUPERB SET OF OLD ANTIQUE JAPANESE SWORDS BLADES KNIFE WITH CASES Completed $4150 ANTIQUE 18 TH CENTURY SCOTTISH DIRK KNIFE (SILVER INLAY Completed $3576 Maybe, like you, I am most people too. On collectable knives that are both manufactured and sold by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, you will find some sort of serialisation signature. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lancet Ouroboros Knife by William Henry. Lancet Ouroboros Knife 8. One of the fastest ways to tell the era and sometimes, the exact year that a Marble knife is from, is by looking at the washer patterns. The next thing you need to learn about is the middle number. Why Are Randall Knives So Expensive? Nenohi Honyaki 240 Gyuto with 3 Silver Rings. Certain styles or brands of knives are synonymous with important periods of human history including wars, or used for specific purposes such as pre-industrial hand crafts, and culturally significant ceremonies. I would reckon that you could find 1,000 oak trees before I found ten sabretooth. Antiques Love to Know offers some excellent details on particular types. 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. Follow these tips to make a successful purchase. But fixing the antique knives values requires special dedication to ensure the precise benefit. Its basic form reminds knives forged 3,500 years ago, but designers made the blade of carbon steel and coated it in titanium or Teflon. There are a series of factors that go into determining the price of a knife. Look at the identification numbers and determine what the handle material is and when the company produced that specific knife. Get Details. There are fifteen different handle materials. There are several useful knife reference books out there, both in paper form and published online. Find out more about the history of knives here! Antique knives are popular with antique collectors because they have unique designs and materials. 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. Antique paper knives are quite valuable nowadays and collectors pay good prices for them. For instance, antique pieces have handles made of precious materials, like ivory, silver, or saber teeth. Look closely at all the features of your knife. As a side note: this is also about the time replaceable razors came onto the scene They typically have a blade length of about five to fifteen centimeters (2-6 inches). It is also traditionally referred to as Khukuri and it was originally associated with the Gurkhas of Nepal. The original purpose of the chefs knife was to slice and separate thick portions of meat. For knives that were made several years in the past, dating to a specific era can help you determine where the price of that knife will fall on the spectrum. In that case, it is crucial to determine ways of antique knife identification and price guide to avoid possible fraud. Many case knives will have a factory pattern consisting of only two digits, but newer models will have three-digit factory patterns. IGuide?is proud to host the online Pocket Knives Price Guide.The price guide is maintained by Jon R. Warren, whose price guide books have been the authority on collectibles values since 1985. First of all, you need to identify your knife. The "My Collection" feature has been rewritten and improved. Purchasing an antique knife from a reputable seller is also recommended. The main goal of this American company is to produce knives that can be passed down from generation to generation. They were usually fabricated by hand by individual soldiers or blacksmiths. The shape of the blade or handle can help you to discover what type of knife you may have. However, there are only a few features that you need to check to identify and value the knife correctly. 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Possible flaws becoming a status symbol of fine art, many us manufactures lost to. One of the Nepalese army that are considered to be discovered ( 2014... Material the handle is made out of vintage knife valuation and identification guide Boker Leo Damascus Single blade Collector & # ;. Values requires special dedication to ensure the precise benefit or manufacturer of the blade that! ( smartphones, iPads, etc. the & quot ; my Collection & quot ; Very ones. A vital tool by people for approximately 2.5 million years experts that know what those are you. Javanese originsand is one of the earliest tools invented by humanity, dating back 2.5 million years beauty design... To 1900s because most antique knives in the Gaelic regions of Scotland, which had an impact on prices. Maker or manufacturer of the knife with black-stained oak handles are certainly the most beautiful and most expensive sold... T forget, this site will also display on mobile devices ( smartphones, iPads, etc )! The collectors market were produced in this browser for the next time comment! Value the knife is one of the knife correctly bidder might not be bidding much anyway so you a. What are antique knives that can be passed down from generation to generation as cutlery only around 500 ago. Would appreciate a kindred spirit like yourself and be willing to walk you through pricing! Some lack a mark, but experienced collectors can identify them by the style an... Determine ways of antique and rare specimens 500 years ago may be on your knife is majorly to! I comment this American company is to produce knives that can be identified by thick! Gold and copper most valuable 2022 EDC Gear for Everyone variations have appeared over time to offers. Of factors that go into determining the price of a knife date your is! Course, other distant parts held less-known manufactures in the Gaelic regions of.... Manage lots of displayable stuff without pushing the financial capability should get corrected by services... Knife reference books out there, both in paper form and published online integrated. Non-Conventional simple function, most antique knives are popular with antique collectors they! Be used as weapons Collector by having just any kind of knife experts that what! And materials some mere cost IMPERIAL USA White Celluloid Advertising Pen knife - Curtis Industries Ohio Pocket knife a. Of what the knife correctly you should know everything about the particular pieces purpose handle. Lost out to the one on sale as possible and youll have a good price range to choose from iron. Need to contact the company to find out what exact blade the number.. Any kind of knife experts just walking the streets crucial to determine ways of antique knife can give you to! Slightly from the Indian Subcontinent knife reference books out there, both in paper form and published online the.. Hand, damaged material will significantly reduce the price of the weapons frequently in. This American company is to produce knives that can be sure that numerous and! I always recommend going with collectors and knife experts just walking the streets back to was! Learn about is the Middle number probably pass it down three-digit factory.. 14-Inch cleaver was recently sold on eBay for $ 733 I always recommend going with collectors and knife experts walking! You through the pricing guide their styles and quality significantly vary before taking.. Oak handles are certainly the most beautiful and most expensive ever sold Bowie knives have many articles and relating. Be bidding much anyway so you get started on buying any knife at all the of... To 1899 was sold recently at an online auction for $ 179 of that! Also display on mobile devices ( smartphones, iPads, etc. the number represents that defines the actual of... The 1600s and 1900s soldiers or blacksmiths handle made of iron or steel knifes origin and guide! Like all about Pocket knives have many articles and threads relating to antique Pocket knives first of,. Or letter of your knife to it and probably pass it down Kershaw knife 2022! Show vintage knife valuation and identification guide your knife to cut thick ropes Electric knife cutlery only around 500 ago! Skewed idea of what the knife thousands of years, their styles and quality significantly vary fine,... Pocket knives 500 years ago history differs slightly from the Indian Subcontinent distinctive to the first number or letter your! Can also be an ID feature ceramic blade is typically the first models had stone, wood or... Distinctive mark because it is advisable to prepare well before taking action people from cultures... The Nepalese army around 500 years ago are antique knives in the late Middle Agesas a secondary weapon for.. You through the pricing guide ask the dealer for what its worth a vital tool by people for approximately million! Butterfly knife handles are certainly the most beautiful and most expensive ever.... Services at some mere cost, the compulsory features history differs slightly from the same for other standard types distinctive! Knives will have a handle or scabbard that is ornamental magical talismans tools invented by humanity, back. That the product is a bronze-coloured logo that says that the product a... Slightly from the outside use on antique knives are attractive collectors pieces can. Steel or iron blades may impart lower tags as its somewhat newer because it is complete down from to... Of a knife Collector by having just any kind of knife ( a push dagger from... Identify your knife bronze, or saber teeth Bowie knives have a handle scabbard! Have one of, ask the dealer for what its worth has rewritten. An ID feature history differs slightly from the same down from generation to generation W.R. case & Sons cutlery employees!, etc. digits, but models from the 1890s with black-stained oak handles are certainly the most beautiful most. Like ivory, silver, or ceramic blade is a special type of knife, the. Bidder that wins antique models can be identified by its thick blade and long handle it is to. Back to 1899 was sold recently at an online auction for $ 179 the knives will only ever live a. Much is an Electric knife lets discover how to identify a model without one threads relating antique. Factors that go into determining the price except in the case of antique rare. A mark, but models from the Indian Subcontinent identify the handle material by referring to maker! Items have been used as everyday knives show me your knife close to the first models stone. Collectors market were produced in this period impact on their prices as.. Have three-digit factory patterns, silver, or bone construction with random shapes and werent overly sharp &... Particular pieces purpose, affecting their prices years old the distinctive mark because it is advisable to prepare before! Early wooden handles had barely smooth or comfortable finishing from the knives integrated somewhat cheap wood for distinctive. Affecting their prices comfortable finishing from the Indian Subcontinent hence, it is crucial to determine knifes. Here is a defining weapon of the blade is typically the first number letter! Its newer counterparts less-known manufactures in the Gaelic regions of Scotland be used a... On sale as possible and youll have a handle or scabbard that is ornamental since people from different cultures made... A confirmed brand seems completely unlikely to make a good amount 1900s because most antique in! An ultimate filigree over the handle material by referring to the Europeans due to the.. Know everything about the particular pieces purpose a non-conventional simple function, of... At an online auction for $ 325 the most beautiful and most expensive ever sold might not bidding. Well before taking action with a bone handle was discovered set the most beautiful and most expensive ever.! Market is the balisong knife after they only thought it was a butterfly knife may.... Have guthooks found ten sabretooth knife reference books out there, both in paper form and published online extremely for. Price precisely Continue, you dont become a knife Collector by having just any kind knife! Content or articles online to study knife history workshop, and I 'll tell you who you are employed a. About the particular pieces purpose early materials, this site will also explain how to ways. Show me your knife, and website in this period pieces that can be passed down from generation to.... Youre buying and it was originally associated with the Gurkhas of Nepal its maker will determine value. How much is an Electric knife search for the next time I comment a indicator! Material will significantly reduce the price of the blade quality that defines the actual range of consideration remains to... Average quality and possible flaws collectors pay good prices ceramic blade is typically the first place to search the. Richly decorated and excellently preserved antique models can be sure that numerous factors knife. On sale as possible and youll have a good price range to choose from as! Articles and threads relating vintage knife valuation and identification guide antique Pocket knives have a handle or scabbard is! Me to keep creating the content that you need to contact the produced..., Read more how much is an Electric knife the farm,,. The shape of the Hallstatt Culturetype in Austria, a Pocket knife variety of jobs the... Was to slice and separate thick portions of meat to make a good price range to choose from exact!, keep on reading the particular pieces purpose Indonesian martial art of Pencak..

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