The News from ElephantToenails.com

Collecting: An Unruly Passion

Why do you collect? What is it that one gains from collecting (other than a bunch of stuff)?

Have you ever looked into the psychology of collecting? You know the- why folks collect, where the passion comes from, and what they feel once they have acquired their latest find.

Well, I have, so allow me to share some of what I discovered. I think you will enjoy learning a bit about yourself. I know, most men don’t like introspection one bit, but it is generally good for the soul, so come on stay with me on this.

A case has been made for the establishment of a chapter of the Knife Collectors Anonymous.

Some years ago I was looking for books on collecting. I wanted to find interesting information on collectors and items that are collected, and info about the “cycles of value and trends” of a given object. Sounds like exciting reading doesn’t it?

Well I ran across a book called COLLECTING: AN UNRULY PASSION-Psychological Perspective by R. Muensterberger. I thought it sounded very interesting, as I have always had an interest in psychology, and with the combination of collecting, it was right down my alley.

WARNING- THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, PREGNANT WOMEN, OR PEOPLE THAT TAKE THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY ☺Talk about DEPRESSING!!  I couldn’t believe what I was reading… I wanted to share a quick snippet with you.

“Certain aspects of human conduct seem at first glance not to all exceptional or mysterious. Yet on closer inspection we can see that they can be quite perplexing and not easily understood. One such trait is collecting. Collectors themselves-dedicated, serious, infatuated, beset-cannot explain or understand this often all-consuming drive, nor can they call a halt to their habit. Many are aware of a chronic (yes, you read that right he used the word chronic. Can you believe that! SK) restiveness that can be curbed only by more finds or yet another acquisition.”

Then the writer closes out the first chapter with “I have followed the trail of these emotional conditions in the life histories of many collectors. They reveal the need of the phallic-narcissistic personality. We see them as show offs of all kinds. They like to pose or make a spectacle of their possessions. But one soon realizes that these possessions, regardless of their value or significance, are but stand-ins for themselves. And while they use their objects for inner security and outer applause, their deep inner function is to screen off self doubt and unassimilated memories.”

Hit me below the belt will you…this Muensterberger guy must have been someone who was outbid at the last minute on eBay (a victim of being sniped). Had this dude called me I would have told him upfront that I was nuts and saved him a lifetime of studying to try to figure that out.☺

Like I said, anyone here interested in joining the ET.com chapter of Knife Collectors Anonymous?

Knife collecting has several rewarding aspects; one of them is the memories associated with our knife finds- the person you got it from, the knife maker, where you got it, or even an event you are reminded of, like a particular knife show (maybe it was your very first knife show).

As you probably know, I had the fortunate opportunity recently to conduct the auction for the W R Case Cutlery Co. at their Case Collectors Appreciation Day held in Bradford, PA on July 18th & 19th.

The morning after the auction we arrived very early for 200 Club Breakfast. Tom Arrowsmith, the president of the W R Case Cutlery Co., started off the session by talking about how much fun the auction was the night before. I had just started to eat, there with Roger, Ken and their wives, when I thought I heard Tom mention my name. I look up and sure nuf- there he was holding out something and telling me to come up front.

Good grief… while I am an auctioneer and just the night before stood 800 folks, I am basically a shy person. But I walked up to the podium and there Tom presented me with a beautiful toenail in appreciation for helping with their auction. I was honored. (You guys know I’d give my left… big toe to work directly with the oldest knife company in America, especially one that made toenails from their earliest of days).

2008 Case Collectors Appreciation Day Toenail

Yes, my passion is early toenails, and not customs, but I can tell you- this knife ranks among my sentimental favorites. This gorgeous one-of-a-kind toenail sparkles a million brilliant colors. It features bright Abalone handles with Nickel Silver design topped with a Mother-of-Pearl inlay.

This was my second time to be the auctioneer for a Case Event. The first was two years ago at their Case/Zippo International Swap Meet. After that auction the Case folks surprised me with a special toenail too, but out of the blue a week or so later through the mail.

2008 & 2006 Case Event Toenails

The one at the bottom of the photo was made by the talented Mike DuBois. It features Jet Black Onyx handles with genuine Mother-of-Pearl accents and custom wire-cut nickel silver bolsters. While I won’t be posting either of these two knives in The List, I did want to share them with you here in The News.

Granted they aren’t big old fat toenails from days gone by, but to me these knives are priceless. Had they been auctioned at the Case/Zippo or the Appreciation Day auction, either one would have brought over $2500, but now… they are MINE! : )  Seriously, you wouldn’t believe the prices those knives sale for at the Case Auctions. I don’t have the final sales prices (I don’t write them down), but several brought north of $5000.