Hi - I was recently asked to help sell a relative's large collection (rumored to be the finest collection in the US) of antique ink eraser knives. From what I've been told - over $20k was invested in this collection. Since I am no expert, I'm looking for any help or guidance in finding an interested buyer. Also, I wonder whether selling the collection as a complete set or selling them all off individually might be better. I have pictures of all pieces coming soon. I appreciate any help I can get!

joels001@gmail.com

The value depends on condition and maker. many major knife manufacturers made them, including Case, Winchester, Remington, Joseph Rodgers, and numerous well known German and English manufacturers. Being a past Director of the National Knife Collectors Assoc. and the National Knife Museum I have seen many fine examples. Some have Pearl handles, some bone and even examples with sterling silver and various grades of gold handles. I have also seen them in collections at knife shows at which I judged collections. If I can assist you in any way I will be happy to do so. As a rule selling a complete collection will not realize maximum returns. Most buyers of complete collections tend to offer a fair price for the most desirable pieces and very little for the ones of lesser value. When I see pictures and tang stamps on them I will be able to tell you more.

Wow - I appreciate the response and offer to help! I expect to have cd's mailed to me in the next few days with pics of each piece.
I had suspected that maximizing the sales price of the whole set might require splitting it up. Do you know of a good place to list them?

I might have interest in any with New York Knife Co. Walden New York markings. I know a few large dealers who may be interested. I can tell you more when I know what you have. I will look in a few of my reference books and see if anyone has the estimated price of some listed. I also have a friend in Chattanooga, Tenn. who is an expert on knives and was holding knife auctions. I will contact him and see if he is still holding auctions.

I was able to get images of this collection on disc and uploaded them as a Picasa web album, which can be viewed here: http://picasaweb.google.com/bmwjoel/Knifecollection
Please let me know what you think!

Joel,

I know very little about these, but what a lovely collection they are! Best of luck to you.

And Hoarder... who knew?


Cheers,
Tom