The News from ElephantToenails.com

I admit I pretty much do the lazy man’s mining. Smart folks know sometimes you aren’t going to find jewels on top of the ground, so you must “turn some stones” or move some dirt (in other words, you’ve got to dig).

Here is you a toenail on eBay that requires some digging. It was under the heading: “Antique 2-Blade Folding Pocket Knife.” As you will read below the seller discovered the brand and pattern with the help of ET.com. It is a Union Cut. Co (could be a Union Razor) and doesn’t have a reference to the pattern or brand. If you are interested check it out.

Here is his email:

“Hi Scott;  After looking on your website, www.elephanttoenails.com, I think I have identified an old knife that I am currently selling on Ebay [Item#130245439886] as a “UNION etc—-” Sunfish or Elephant Toenail knife. Other than the ON— on the blades that is legible [which I think is the last 2 letters of UNION], I can’t make out anything else, but the pictures on that website of the UNION 4-1/4″ knives with the light brown handles are almost exactly what this knife looks like. This knife and the others that I’m selling on Ebay have been in a plastic bag in my gun case for probably 15-20 years and I just found them again. Funny. Dave”

The description reads: “Part of my deceased Father’s collection is this vintage folding pocket knife with brown bone handles. The blades have been sharpened numerous times, but the knife is in very good condition and works perfectly. It has some lettering on the base of both blades, but it is so old and used that it is not legible [something like NO_ _ _?]. There may also be some numbers, but I can’t make them out. Thank you for looking and bidding.”

GOOD NEWS FOR COLLECTORS!

This auction just confirms what we here at ET.com talk about all the time- there are tons of toenails out there folks have that aren’t officially in circulation. This is a son’s efforts to sale some of his father’s items. The good news too is the son recognized the father’s knives as a collection and didn’t just toss them out.

Did you see the extremely minty Camillus toenail that went off on eBay the other day? It was one fine sample of a toenail and a treasure.  I’ll be posting the results to Recent Sales here at ET.com soon, but had to say something about this knife. While I confess I am not totally crazy about celluloid handles, I wanted this knife.

It sold for the opening bid of $699. While I thought it was a bit on the high side, it wasn’t far off what I would have paid. Rarely will you find an older toenail with the original finish on the blades. It is one killer toenail.

Congrats at due “one old gray mare” the buyer.

Check out the stamp on this knife 

If you missed it here is the seller’s description- 

Up for auction this vintage, circa 1919-1941, Camillus 4-line sunfish/elephant toenail knife is in near mint condition.  The knife measures a full 4 ¼” long and  1 1/16” wide.  Blade measures 2 7/8” long, blade is full and unsharpened, retains it’s original factory finish.  This knife has not been polished.  Spear tip blade features double pull.  There are a few spots of very light pitting, etching on blade ( LITTLE GIANT ) is clear as could be.  Both blades have a very clear and definite stamping.  The fourth line ( U.S.A. ) is rarely visible on knives such as these.  You can see the top of the “A” in U.S.A. in main blade.  Small blade is in similar condition. Both blades snap well, steel bolsters, brass liners, beautiful brown-green celluloid scale handles.  There is some shrinkage.  Very small scratches on handles, one small nick near back spring on brass liner which is hard to see.  This is the real deal. 

I recently wrote about how critical it is when buying on eBay to ask the right questions. Questions about what you see (and don’t) and what was said (and didn’t say) and to see how thorough he/she is in the answers. I found a good example of a toenail bidder asking some really good questions on an auction that ended today on a Cattaraugus toenail and thought I’d share them here.

Hello! This is indeed a rare knife, but would appreciate your answering the following questions. 1) Main Blade: a) How complete and clear is the “Cattaraugus Cutlery Co., Little Valley, NY” front tang etching? b) Is there a pattern # etching on the back tang, and, if so, how clear is it? 2) Both Blades:The text says they need cleaning, but close good. Would you please be more specific? (eg., Do both open with a firm snap to a 1/2 stop and then to a fully open position? Do they both firmly snap close?) b) When opened, do the blades “wobble”? c)Is there any rust pitting or heavy staining on either blade, front or back? c) Have either been sharpened? 3) Both Bolsters: Are the pins (holding them to the frame) visible, however faintly, front or back? 4) Back Bolster (re smaller blade): Does the pic show staining or scratching? 5) Front & Back Stag Slabs: a) Tight to the frame? b) Any cracks or chips? 6) Any other issues?  Thanks for your help. Feb-23-08

Answer:
Thanks..a. it is complete but needs some of the tarnish removed and i did not to ruin the integrity of the blade so whomever bought it i left that up to them, but you can read 50% of it. b. it is covered by tarnish/rust and cannot be made out. c. the average tarnish and minor rust needs removed and i do not want to ruin it with my own cleaning techniques so again i will leave it to the winning bidder, but it is not as bad compared to my other knives..both need a little oil but i tell you what these snaps and blades are well preserved in their mechanics. no wobbles also, no rust pitting..just some excess where the words are but this can be worked on..it is not unworkable, they have been sharpened with fine scratches on the blades..the pins are perfect..stag is very solid and in very good shape..hopefully that helps you out even though some questions were covered by other interested members

Many of us use eBay as one of our sources for old toenails. Overall, it is a good source, however, from my experience there are two types of sellers.  (more…)