I've still got a lot to learn

[timgreene48]

I was at a local gun/knife show this past weekend, and was feeling pretty good with myself as I had just traded with a fellow case's 75th anniv. gunboat canoe set. I looked it over closely, it had beautiful stag handles, scrolled bolsters, and the etching on the blades was in very good condition. Also, the blades had good snap considering that they are displayed in the open positions. Much to my surprise though, is that after I got home and did some research on them, I found that they are supposed to have "gold plated" bolsters, which they have not. I'm guessing that it has been rubbed off over time. My question is, will this affect the value to any large degree? And I thought that I was getting to the point where I knew most everything about case knives. Just goes to show ya. Thanks ,Tim

[knifeaholic]

Hi can you post pictures? I don't remember much about that set, but its hard to believe that all of the gold would have worn off unless the knives were carried and used. My point is, it might be that what you read was in error, or at least that maybe not all of them had gold plated bolsters. Your set may be ok.

[timgreene48]

Thanks much for the reply Steve. I will try to post a pic , but as of late, I can't seem to get my pictures to upload. But, if you have a copy of Sargents 6th edition of knives and razors there is a pic of the set on page289 at bottom right. All of the sets that I have found on ebay have a "gold tone" to the bolsters, but I hope that you are right that they may have came in nickel-silver also. I traded a pretty special knife for this set, now I feel as though I got the short end of the stick. My stupidity. Again, thanks

[JEARL]

Hi Tim, In Pocket Knife Trader's guide it list the 75th Canoe set, are etched and engraved in glass top wood display case. (pg206) It doesnt mentioned anything about gold plated. Knives and Razors 7th ed. has both sets page 317 and 328. I think your in good shape. Hope this helps. I sent a pm.

Jeff

[tjmurphy]

According to Price and Zalesky, there were 5000 matching serial number sets produced and according to P&Z, they DID have gold plated bolsters.

[timgreene48]

Jeff and T.J., thanks for the input. I did an advanced search on e-bay, and all the sets that sold seemed to have the "gold tone" to the bolsters. My only concern is that the set is hugely devalued because of it. That would be a shame. Thanks again, Tim

[knifeaholic]

It looks like from the research that TJ and others did that they were all supposed to have gold plated bolsters.

Odd that it would all wear off - are the knives mint otherwise?

[timgreene48]

Yes Steve, by my interpertation they have nice stag,and the etchings on the blades seem crisp and clear. The solid oak display has no scratches or dings. I unknowingly gave the bolsters a good polish and they shine as new.All in all, a very nice set. Thanks

[JEARL]

The more research I do on this set, ebay completed auctions and worthpoint. Leads me to agree with everyone else. That they didnt make a set without the gold plated bolsters. I havent found one yet without the gold plating. That being said, its odd to me that Jim Sargent's book has 2 different listing and value's for that set. That is where I got my information , the 75th Anniversary Canoe Set (doesnt mention anything about gold plating) is valued at $500. You turn a few pages over and he list the Canoe Set with gold plating valued at $450. go figure. Maybe the person that sold Tim the set read the samething and rub the gold off some how, thinking he could get more money.

Jeff

[JEARL]

Here are some pics. of the knives Tim purchased.

[tjmurphy]

There was another set produced in 1980, though not a Canoe set, that did not have gold plated bolsters. This is again, from Price and Zalesky. I would think that the OP set should be gold plated.

[timgreene48]

Thanks for posting the pics Jeff. As you can see, no gold plate on these puppies. Otherwise, I think it is a very fine set. Thanks, Tim