Recent Auction of a Case Brothers Toenail
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.
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I also saw the Case Bros knife, it is odd to me the top of the blade was reshaped, usually you break or chip the cutting edge. I think someone wanted to make a clip blade and ruined a great knife. I have allot of Toes with honest wear from use, that just adds character to them. The blade stopped me from bidding on this one, i don’t like them reshaped like this. I don’t like a reserve auction and on Ebay you always get a good price, I think it can hurt the sale. I do think the economy has hurt the knife values somewhat. The shows seem to be slow on sales this year and less dealers are going with the cost of fuel and travel. When the economy turns around so will the knife prices. I have made several good buys recently at a price I liked.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 am
Hey Barry
Just got back from Parker’s Show. It seemed to go well. I didn’t drill down the dealers to see if they made money, but I do know all but like one or two of the tables were sold.
I know the Parker Show is well established and popular among the dealers too. Seemed traffic was good from knife buyers- again, I didn’t interview any dealers directly as to whether they made money, but I did talk to lots of folks in general and it appears it went well.
I do think too there are going to be toenails come on the market for us as a result of the terrible economy over the next two years or so. So for folks looking to add to their collection, I’d be saving my money and getting ready.
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
This guy bought this knife on ebay 4 or 5 weeks ago for $276.It was poorly listed by someone who didn`t know what it was.
November 27th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Scott,
Same knife was run through Ebay again with a reserve and closed on 11-27. The high bid was $425 and did not meet reserve. Don’t look like he will sell this one soon………….
November 29th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Thats the second go-round for this guy,1st time he put it on it brought $415.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I don’t have the exact number but think on its third try it brought $450 and it sold finally. I’m assuming.