- Joined
- Feb 11, 2003
- Messages
- 379
That's a great question, Bruce! You may get a number of opinions, but I think it would depend on the specifics.
1. The "Vietnam era" encompasses a lot of different model 14's: Tenites of different colors, browns and blacks. Some with and without filled screwholes. Also, both Solingens and Orlando blades, SS's and S's. Sheaths by CJ Moore, Heiser and Johnson splitback and non splitback. Condition and provenance aside, the value is determined by the features. For example, The 14 white (tan) Tenite with Moore sheath that went for $28K+ earlier this year was mint. I'm not so sure a used example with provenance would have gone for that much.
2. The condition of the provenanced knife: Even with great provenance, a knife in poor condition is going to take a pretty big hit in value. Take an early 70's Orlando blade, black Micarta with standard Johnson riveted sheath (small rivets at the throat / non splitback): A mint version may go for more than one with provenance if the condition is poor. Conversly, it may go for less if the condition of the provenanced knife is good or excellent.
3. The provenance itself: Who carried the knife when and what action (if any) it saw makes a difference in value.
4. Now the wildcard: e-bay! "On any given day". E-Bay is supposed to determine the market value. However, I have seen prices for essentially the same knife vary all over the map for whatever reasons. It's tough to draw any real conclusions from this venue.
Bottom line is that it could go either way
Best,
Ron
1. The "Vietnam era" encompasses a lot of different model 14's: Tenites of different colors, browns and blacks. Some with and without filled screwholes. Also, both Solingens and Orlando blades, SS's and S's. Sheaths by CJ Moore, Heiser and Johnson splitback and non splitback. Condition and provenance aside, the value is determined by the features. For example, The 14 white (tan) Tenite with Moore sheath that went for $28K+ earlier this year was mint. I'm not so sure a used example with provenance would have gone for that much.
2. The condition of the provenanced knife: Even with great provenance, a knife in poor condition is going to take a pretty big hit in value. Take an early 70's Orlando blade, black Micarta with standard Johnson riveted sheath (small rivets at the throat / non splitback): A mint version may go for more than one with provenance if the condition is poor. Conversly, it may go for less if the condition of the provenanced knife is good or excellent.
3. The provenance itself: Who carried the knife when and what action (if any) it saw makes a difference in value.
4. Now the wildcard: e-bay! "On any given day". E-Bay is supposed to determine the market value. However, I have seen prices for essentially the same knife vary all over the map for whatever reasons. It's tough to draw any real conclusions from this venue.
Bottom line is that it could go either way
Best,
Ron