The News from ElephantToenails.com

As I now begin to receive short bios/profiles from individuals from all over (I was sent one from a gentleman in France a little bit ago), I wanted to say how good it is to finally get to “see” you.

Putting a face with the name really changes things for me. You and I have never met and receiving your photo sure makes what I am doing here at ET.com much more personal.

“Talking” to faceless names by email (and especially writing to the “masses” through this website) is one thing, but finally getting to “see” you sure brings perspective….to me anyway. It is like we have finally really met.

I know this post may be uncharacteristic for a “web-host,” but as I get older, I am coming to realize some things about life and how important people are. So, at the risk of being too sentimental, please excuse me, but I wanted to say thank you for your support and participation. I can promise you this- if it weren’t for you I wouldn’t do it.

One final note: I have received several emails from folks who don’t feel they warrant a “profile,” because they are either new collectors, or don’t have many, if any toenails. Please, the point of the profile is for us to get to meet you. Just the fact that you come ’round here is indicative of the fact that you share in this same interest as we do. My goal for us is simply to put a face with the name and a brief “this is who I am” - not to prove who had the most knives or the most valuable. We are just individuals who have a common interest. 

Scott 

Scott, I have attached photos of a Case knife that I have not be able to identify.  The knife is clearly marked CASE BROTHERS - LITTLE VALLEY and also has the XX marking on the blade.  I found this knife in a storage box when my father closed a General Merchandise country store he operated for 50 yrs and been in business in total over 100 yrs.  Any insight into the pattern, date of manufacture, and value would be much appreciated.  Additional photos are available if needed. David 

David, your hunch is correct. It is a 5250 Case Brothers stag handled elephant toenail, some call it a sunfish knife.  CB was from Little Valley, NY. It was made somewhere between around 1900 to like 1911, but you can verify that on my site. www.elephanttoenails.com search in The List for Case Brothers, plus you can see other stag handled ones like this. The XX on the blade was their trademark double stamp that the knife was tested and passed their approval. It was their claim to fame. Later they actually stamped the blade where the XX is with TESTED XX.

My guess is it is probably worth $200- $350, maybe up to $500. It is really hard to say, because some collectors really like knives in “used” original condition, plus it is affordable to a wide range of folks.. The stag handles are the best thing it has going for it. Stag ranks higher than some other handle materials among collectors. Did you take the knife apart? The pin holding the master blade in is sticking up which is not normal and will cause some collectors to question the knife. Don’t try to hammer it down if you are going to sell it just leave it as is. Scott