Need Advice on Helping Friend Liquidate Case Collection

[john14_18]

I am a newbie here as of today. I have been a member of the S&W Forum & Colt Forum for many years under same userid.
Looking for some advice. A friend of mine has asked me to help him liquidate some of his Case collection since he does not like computers. Will be about 20-25 knives, are all mint, some in boxes and some in display cases. Dating from 1970 and up, but most in the 90's and 2000.
Some of the ones he has includes a mint 1970 10 dot Copperhead, 5 Whittlers with different handles and shields from 95-96, All are mint and have the same serial number, Stag Trappers, etc.
It has been about 50 years since I collected Case pocket knives and am realizing just how many different patterns, handles, bolsters, etc. they made. The only thing I have to find actual value is looking at sold items on ebay and even that is confusing.
Just like a S&W or Colt, I would rather see them go to someone who appreciates them.

My question is what is the best way to determine the value of these so the buyer will get a good deal and still get the most money for my friend and where is the best place to sell them. ( I notice that this website is not allowing anyone to open a new store for a while).

Thank you in advance for any advice you might offer and have a Blessed Day!

P.S. I am in Alabama

[gsmith7158]

John to AAPK.
That's a tough on trying to determine value. An auction style setting is probably the truest way to determine market value. If you wanted to show sme pics in our commerce threads you might get some offers. Or you could show them right here and we will give you some opinions. But of that's going to be as varied as the members here.

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK! Sold items on eBay is probably as good as you can get for current values and some are confusing. If you can post some pictures of your friend's knifes maybe the members here can help you find the right eBay comparable sales. Need clear pictures of the knife, at least one with all blades open and one showing tang stampings. I'm willing give it a try.

Ken

[john14_18]

Thank both of for the help! I will post some on here in the morning.
Thanks again!

[TripleF]

Agreed with Ken.....SOLD Listings on ebay will reveal the amounts you can expect.

[wlf]

The advance search on the top right gives you the sold listing's prices for a few months afterwards. Actual selling prices are very rarely what the book values list,they are much lower in most instances.

As said,advertising them here for sale might be a good way.The previous posters have a lot of experience and can be trusted.

[john14_18]

#3

Thank all of you so much. I hope this is the right way to do this. I will try not to take up whole board. These are some of the ones I have not been able to get info on. Again, Thank all of you so much.

1. Two knives the Case Collectors Series in plexiglass wooden case. One has Chevrolet shield and says" Heartbeat of America" on 1 blade and "Chevrolet" on the other. The other has Ford shield and Says " The best never rest" on one blade and Ford on the other. Chevrolet is stamped serial # 004 and Ford is serial# 005.I took plexiglas off of one but did not remove knife. Hard to get pics because of reflection. Both are 6 dots.

2. 1994 Little Congress Collection in wooden case. Set of 3 knives.

3. Five Whittlers( I believe ) all with serial # 0528 on bolster.. Stag is 53046. Others are 63046. All say Tested XX and one is dated 1994, 3 are from 1995 and tone from 1996. All have CASE XX engraved on main blade.No boxes. All in excellent condition but bolsters need to be polished.

4. 1970 10 dot Copperhead. Wrapping paper but no box. Did not have room to add pic on this post.

Also have a 1991 Desert Storm War Operations Commemorative in display case.

Thank all of you again for your help and have a Blessed Day!


** Sorry, pics somehow got out of order but number above pic should match knife in description**


Thank all of you again so much.

[gsmith7158]

John all of the knives appear to be in excellent condition so that's a big step in getting top dollar for them.
Keep in mind that this is only my opinion and no guarantee that you won't get more or less for them.
1. Comemerative issues usually struggle to bring the price that was paid for them. I have seen these go for as little as $45 and seldom do they cross the $100 mark.
2. I have seen similar sets go from $175 to $250.
3. Those look like they're from the Case Select series and may bring $80 to $150 each.
4. Probably the most valuable single knife if in mint condition $110 to $175.
The Desert Storm knife suffers from the same malady as the first two $45 to $100.
Again this is only based on what I have seen on ebay and your results may differ as will the opinions of other members.

[Mumbleypeg]

Greg nailed it pretty well. I took a look at eBay sold listings on similar knives, and found about the same thing.

Ken

[john14_18]

Thank both of you so much!!! At least I have an idea of their value. If you ever need any info on a S&W, I will be glad to throw in my 2 cents worth. I have added some pics of the copperhead below and a model 6151 that says " 1st edition Case Collectors Club 1981' on the blade. It came with a plaque for mounting and also have the original shipping carton. It is a big knife.

Thanks again and have a Blessed Day!

[Classic Case]

The knives with the year stamped on the tangs are Case Classics I believe. If my memory serves correct, they were a Smokey Mt. knife works released Case Classic.

[gsmith7158]

Chris you are correct. My mind was saying Classics and my fingers said Selects. I get that disconnect a lot lately.