The News from ElephantToenails.com

I was pleasantly surprised by an email yesterday from a fellow toenail collector sharing great looking toenails. He gave me permission to share them with you.

Here they are-

House of Coutel Scrimshaw by Marsh

Close up of file work

Click on photos to enlarge

The toenail in the first photo is 9 inches closed. The bottom two are more standard style length.

The House of Coutel was formed in Sheffield in the late 1970’s. The name was later changed to “Digby’s.” Graham Clayton worked at Kelham Island 1984-2003 making Digby’s knives.

I think the best way to tell you about my last three days is as a photolog, so here goes. The tale begins at Parker’s Knife Show, then a tour through the NKCA Knife Museum and finally, breakfast with some fellow Elephant Toenail Collector Club Members. Then I headed home.

Parker's Show Hall

C Platts Jumbo for sale by Joe Seale

National Knife Collection Museum

Platts History & Jumbo

Case Family Toenail

Case Brothers Toenail

Early Case Toenail

Henry Sears & Son Tear Drop Style

Napanoch Display featuring Toenail

Voyles Knife Auction

Just got back yesterday from Parker’s Show. Got lots to report, but I need to head out for the morning.

But, if you aren’t a subscriber to Knife World you got to get a copy. A wonderful front page article on toenails is there front and center by our toenail friend, Joe Seale. Also, in full techno-color is that wonderful old C Platts Jumbo he has for sale (got to see it in person at the show too!).

Anyway, you got to get a copy (Dec. 2008 edition), if for no other reason than to add the article to your toenail archive/library.

I’ll be back to report more about toenails, our toenail friends (and fellow ETCC members) at the show and more- later today (unless my honey-do list is real long, which in that case it might be midnight before I can update you on this weekend’s findings and great fellowship).

I know many of you watch eBay, but in case you missed this one-

Case Brothers Toenail

Yesterday the auction closed on a nice looking Case Brothers wormgroove bone handled toenail. The bidding was active with 11 bids and the final bid price was $415.

In the end, the seller’s reserve was not met. But for my purpose here, let’s look at a couple things-

From the photos put up the knife looked good and the seller’s description was good.

I always have to look at what the seller didn’t say. In this case, I don’t see anything about the degree of legibility of the stamps. 

Also, the seller says “the snap is good,” but does this mean “acceptable” or did he mean really good? Probably only “good” as in acceptable.

The masterblade was reshaped. Interesting. Makes me wonder if it had broken at some point, or if someone just wanted to make it a clip blade for the heck of it….who knows. Yes, the masterblade is very short too.

The question is did the reshaping and length of the masterblade “set” the price or was it the lack of info on the clarity of the stamps? Or a combo.

We know a Excellent condition or better Case Brothers can command a price above $2000. We saw several sales in 2008/07 to support this fact. So, what “set” the price here at under $500? (I am not grading this particular knife as Excellent. If the stamps were poor and the snap is only acceptable, then considering the length and reshaped masterblade it is probably only Fair.)

Also, a “reserve” auction affects the final price negatively. In our auction business, an unreserved auction brings more money because bidders know it will sale. This could have been a factor.

Or is this price a reflection of the market conditions at this time?? Or did it bring all it was worth?

I’d love to hear comments back from any of you who actually bid on this knife as to why it was judged to have only been worth this price.

Mr. Tony Bose

The Tony Bose interview is out of production and is now live. And yes, while the interview is an all around Tony Bose interview, I did ask him specially about his toenails. As you may know, he is one of a few custom knife makers to make toenails of the vintage toenail variety.

Tony is one heck of a gentleman and was a pleasure to talk knives with. I think you will find the interview enjoyable- he has a very dry sense of humor, but is really very funny.

Instead of loading it here at The News, follow the link directly to his interview. Thanks and enjoy the show.

Hope to see you at the Parker Show next week and don’t forget our ET Collectors Club Breakfast Sat. morning.

Hey guys, we are having a little contest over at CNJ I wanted to make you aware of.

Link to Vote

We are set. The meeting of the Elephant Toenail Collector Club will be on Saturday monring for breakfast- Nov. 22nd at 8:00.

We will be meeting for an informal get together at the hotel across from the Knife Show at the Wilderness at the Smokies in the Hidden Trail Bar & Grill resturant.

Incidentally, if you need lodging they have a special rate for the knife show (they are also running some specials), if you ask. In addition to the links here is the location and contact info.

Wilderness At The Smokies Resort | 1425 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville TN 37862 | (877) 325-WILD | info@wildernessathesmokies.com

Hope to see ya there. If there is a problem with finding us….email me at scott@ET.com (you will need to spell ET out and don’t forget the “s” on the end of toenail) and I’ll give you my cell number.