Help With Knife Value Schrade Presto

E

extel

Joined
May 31, 2022
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I have a Schrade Presto which was my dad's when he was a young man. I have tried to research it, and I haven't been able to find one like it anywhere.
The automatic part doesn't work and the handle is cracked on one side. It's a Schrade Presto Jan 30 40. Can anyone tell me how rare this may be and what it could be worth?


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Hello,
I’m afraid that unless you are a paid member you may not ask for knife values.
With that said the answer to the price question is….Priceless it was your fathers.
 
It was made between 1925-1945. Bill DeShivs might be able to pinpoint that a little better. The scales (sides) are cellulite and have a bad habit of de-gassing; when thy do they shrink, become dull, sometimes crack, and have a nasty habit of casing any steel nearby to rust. They are not especially common these days, due to the switchblade laws of the 1950's. That being said they're not that expensive, even in really good shape. Sadly it's not worth repairing, as the cost would outpace the value. I have several, none of which I paid over $200 for.

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These knives are often referred to as "card" knives, because they were sold on gas station/hardware store/drug store counters attached to cardboard displays. It's a safe bet that a lot of them were made. It's impossible to say how many are still around.

"Jan 30 40" is the patent date.

As far as current value, in it's current condition, I'd say very little. For one thing, it's not what I would call a "high demand" switchblade among collectors. And for those who might want one, collectors tend to want knives in proper working order and in good condition. You're knife has neither qualities.

In general, the value of any knife, particularly vintage collectables, is determined by what others are willing to pay for them. It can be very difficult to say what a person might be willing to pay for a vintage knife.

If you want to get it fixed I'd suggest contacting Bill DeShivs. He is a certified repairman for Schrade knives. He has a website billdeshivs.com

The Schrade Presto pictured below sold for $299. But it worked properly and was described as being in excellent condition.

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