The Holy Grail of Case Knife Display Cases!

[Blondediva912]

I'm hoping that someone will be able to help me with this gorgeous display case that I have. I have spent countless hours trying to find information on this beast with no such luck. The display is currently located in my fathers hardware store in Western, NY. My dad bought the store in 1988 and worked there for 5 years before that and It was already there when he started. The only thing the previous store owner knew was that it was the largest display case that Case had ever made. The top lifts up to place items in the front and there are light bulbs that still work that light it up. In the back every drawer can be locked and I have the key. My dad's plan is to junk everything within the next year because he is tired. I would hate to see this bad boy be ruined. Any helpful ideas or information would be greatly appreciated. I hope at the very least you guys will appreciate this true beauty!

[knifeaholic]

Hi; welcome to AAPK and thanks for posting that. I love the old display cases.

Yours looks to be a variation of the #49 display. Based on the way the logo is painted I would say it is most likely pre-1960 and probably post 1940.

The photo I have shows the drawers in the front. But it seemed to be more popular to have the drawers in the back, as yours is.

Is there any paperwork in your display? Case would ship each display with a display record - one or more sheets that listed each cutlery item by display number.

[Mumbleypeg]

That's a great display as it has a large glass-covered area where items can be displayed, and the whole thing can be locked.

I found one like it once (see pictures below) and was very excited about buying it, until I measured it and found there wasn't any door or hallway in my house it would fit through. I could maybe, with difficulty, have gotten it into the living room but that's where it would have to stay. The wife nixed that idea so had to pass on it.

It's a beautiful piece. Take good care of it. Hopefully you can find a good place for it.

And welcome to AAPK!

Ken

[espn77]

Oh wow. That's awesome. I'd get back into collecting case knives to fill that display. Thanks for showing us

[Blondediva912]

Wow the similarities! So cool. Thank you for sharing! No unfortunately I could not find any paperwork, just a whole bunch of ordering catalogs.

[kootenay joe]

Just for my interest what is this beautiful display case worth ? I have never seen any display case of this size before.
To get a carpenter/cabinet maker to build one i think would cost about $2500 ? This one also has historical and collector value so price could be much higher.
kj

[peanut740]

It is impressive, but size will limit the interest. Has Ken said he didn't have a door big enough to get in.

[jmh58]

KOOL!!!
John

[Blondediva912]

It's only Worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I do think my case has a slight advantage over the other though. The top could be removed, just unscrew the hinges. Then I'm fairly certain it could be turned in any sort of direction to go through a doorway!

[knifeaholic]

Wow the similarities! So cool. Thank you for sharing! No unfortunately I could not find any paperwork, just a whole bunch of ordering catalogs.

Can you post pics of the catalog covers? I can tell you how old they are.

[rugmar]

My wife made some photos of this one that we ran accross last weekend. It is certainly not the Holy Grail but interesting nonetheless.

Looks pretty old to me. Front and rear shots. I think it was $625 or $650.

[Blondediva912]

So I have a few specifications if anyone is interested! I'll just post my pictures, that should be easier! If anyone is interested, this beautiful case needs a new home by the end of October! So if you're in the Western, NY just drop me a line!