What the heck did I just buy? (Old Timer Question)

Bob,
I could be mistaken but I think this was a three stockman set put out in 1985. They're red smooth bone. Very nice looking knives! I don't think I've seen this set in one piece before, only individual knives, and even they're rare.
Congrats!
Eric
 
Eric,
I agree with you.
set of 3 108,34 and 8OT all done in red bone
 
I do notice how they have matching seriel numbers, so were originally from the same set, vs. being a frankenset. Is the case an original Schrade product?

So are they worth $50 apiece, in your opinions? That's a lot more than the msrp for the Delrin versions, and probably more than they sold for originally. But it's lower than the Old Timer Classics have been selling for lately*. Heck, even the 100th Anniversary Old Timers have been selling for more than $50, so I suppose I did all right afterall.

-Bob

*You know, I bid on some Old Timer Classics the other day and was the highest bidder, but seller had a reserve of $60 apiece! Plus an $11 shipping fee!
 
I have an 80T which resembles the one shown in the eBay auction, but I don't recall much about it.

schrade-80t1.jpg


schrade-80t2.jpg
 
That appears to be exactly like the one from eBay. Same shield, same tang stamp, and seriel number in same location. The dyed bone looks to be a different color, but that could easily be an effect of the photos. I'll know more when mine arrive.

-Bob
 
Howdy Bob,

Just as a bit more information, Levine's #4 lists the 3 knives (but not as a set) from 1985, just as Eric mentioned. Valued individually at the time...$25,$35, and $40.

Since all have the same serial number, seems like you did OK. :thumbup:

Bill
 
The set arrived today, and the knives are beautiful! The quality of each is top-notch, especially for Schrades. They aren't shiny-new, having been stored in the case for over 20 years, but they are unused with no evidence of being carried.

As far as value, I'll keep an eye open for any similar sets in the future. The Levine reference above is a good starting point, but that book was written ten years ago, before the recent and ongoing escalation of OldTimer prices. The Levine value estimates roughly match the current prices for ordinary brown Delrin Old Timers. :)

Looking at the case itself, it appears to not be an original Schrade product. The foam inserts are not molded to fit the knives, and the only marking is a "SCHRADE" sticker (transparant with black lettering). Compared to proudly marked Scrade cases used in other commemorative sets, this case would be strongly out of character.

If anyone has a ca. 1985 advertisement for this set that would indicate the style of the original packaging/display I'd be eternally grateful.

Scanned knife images to be posted momentarily...

-Bob
 
Here are scans of the set, including a closeup showing the tang stamps and serial numbers. The regulars here already know what these look like, but I didn't, so maybe future forum readers will find these to be useful references.

redboneOTset.jpg


RedboneOTsetcloseup.jpg


Thanks to everyone for the useful information posted above.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I remember seeing those on ebay, and the picture quality was of poor quality, which sometimes leads to the best buys. I could guarantee if you posted them separately with nice pictures showing the serial numbers, they'd proabably collectively go well over $50.00 per knife.

Nicely done Bob.
 
Does anyone know offhand the production figures for these sets? Obviously, based on Parnass' knife and the four-digit serial number, they were made by the thousands. So they can't be that rare...

I remember seeing those on ebay, and the picture quality was of poor quality...
Click to expand...
You're right, the main photo showing the set wasn't well taken at all. But some of the individual photos were OK, at least good enough to confirm that the knives probably weren't used.

Despite browsing eBay regularly over the past couple of weeks, I hadn't seen the set before. So I suspected they had just been listed and that they might not last long, so I followed a "buy now, ask questions later" strategy. The background and age of the set was a complete mystery, but I didn't want to post a forum topic asking about them until I made the purchase. you never know who's lurking around here... :)

-Bob
 
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