ols scrade walden switchblades and pen knives

[Ted Hawk]

I'm new to the forum and antique knives. My grandson is working this summer doing a clean out on a hoarders house . He is paid a low wage but is given items to make up the difference. I have bought a number of old knives from him and am not sure of their value . I have 4 double switchblade sterling silver. I believe them to be 744ss. They look like a 740 but smaller . They have a small blade and a nail file. They are 2 7/8 long with buttons and locks on both sides. The marking is scrade walden ny usa. one is used and has been sharpened but works and looks good. One is unused and looks mint. Two are wrapped in the original instruction sheet. The guy who originally bought these had a machine shop which went out of business in 1958. His shop was taken by eminent domain when the interstate was built. He died in 1971 so I know these are knives are not foreign re pops. There is a hammer brand candy strip p2170537 2281762 It is mint but no box. There are 3 small kon-kavs in black plastic sleeves. There are 3 model 778in clear plastic sleeves marked scrade walden. There is also some imperial slimline stainless n 63ss. There is also an old timer in box in plastic sleeve marked schrade walden. I have tried to attact some photos. I hope it works. Ted

[Sanders Knives]

Nice looking bunch of knives. Do you want to sell the switch blades?

[bighomer]

Great day in the morning what a haul.

[Ted Hawk]

I have had a lot of interest in me selling the knives but I must admit I'm at a disadvantage. I know very like about knives. I collect antique cars and guns. I know in guns and cars the more original the more value. I also know there is a big difference between model,makes and years. I'm not sure if I want to sell these or sit on them and let my kids deal with them along with everything else. The reason I joined the forum was to learn about these knives. I know there are people out there that want to buy these knives and sell them for a profit. I think there are collectors which want to buy and keep and show . Of course there are many people between these positions. What I am hoping for is many of you teaching me. How rare are these knives? I think they are rare because the information is not very available on the net. The offers I have received is all over the board. I think in perfect condition they are worth around $200 to $300 each but I don't know. I think the Hammer Brand is worth less than the 744's again I have nothing to back up my feeling. I can not believe there are a lot of knives as old as these still unused but maybe I'm wrong. I think switchblades are very desirable. I think USA made improves value and I am sure there are exceptions to all of these . Thanks for those who have responded and I'm looking forward to chatting with you. Thanks ted

[Ted Hawk]

If anyone wants additional pictures please feel free to ask.

[Chase]

Wow Ted...You have stumbled onto a nice haul there!

If you are not going to keep them for yourself, I would encourage you to do the research on them, gather info from here...there are quite a few Schrade folks here that will help. Once you finally know exactly what you have then I would offer them up for sale. If you leave family members to deal with them after you are gone...chances are that they will not get their true value.

I am an avid Schrade collector myself and I wouldn't even consider getting rid if them and I am doing everything in my power to keep my collection prices updated so that when I depart, the family can do with them whatever they feel necessary....however, they will know their values.

I have more than 2000 Schrade knives from the early 20's up through their closing in 2004, the majority being from the 70's forward.

If you decide to sell any of these, please give the good folks here on AAPK a shot at them, you will find that the folks here are honest and willing to pay the going prices to be able to add them into their collection, myself included. The main thing to remember, which I am sue applied to your other collectibles is that the item is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.

Welcome to AAPK and stick around, you'll be amazed at what you can learn here.

Tom