And I thought I'd seen some expensive knives...

[hso]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Bowie-Knife-made-by-Samuel-Bell-Vintage-Collectable/114432698348



That's about 20X what you might expect a Bell in that condition to be paid for by a serious collector of one of the most important bowie makers in history.

 

[Kingcreek]

Only on eBay...

 

[hso]

I have a bowie collector buddy just waiting for this to flop so he can make the owner a reasonable 5 figure offer.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Wow, Free economy shipping!!!

 

[bikerdoc]

Exquisite!
I would be happy just to hold it for few minutes.

 

[Mk-211]

I'm wondering how many people would see it in a box at a garage sale and go right past it.

Its kinda meh and I know that I probably would also. Of course now that I see someone trying to get a half Mil for it, I'm glad I got to see one! I know I won't be passing up any old knives without a Google check.

 

[hso]

kinda meh

Silver & MOP handle and sheath, engraved, over 150 years old, blade still shiny, one of probably 7 knives made like it by Bell, doesn't appear to be sharpened.

 

[Mk-211]

By saying that, most people would probably say meh looking at the knife. It doesn't stand out that much looking at the pics.

I think if they saw something that they recognized, they would snatch it up in a second. Very few people would look at it and think "oh man, there's a 500K knife"!

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Very few people would look at it and think "oh man, there's a 500K knife"!

And those people would be wrong.

 

[Mk-211]

Sure, they would be wrong and would miss out on a special knife but not many would give it a second look.

People that are into knives or are collectors of antiques would check it out and Google image it or the name on the knife.

 

[rust collector]

I am thinking that a starting bid specified by owner does not establish the value of an object. I do not doubt that the knife is valuable, but it takes a willing seller and a willing and capable buyer to make a sale. This is a test and a cheap ad. Such a high opening bid makes it unlikely the owner will have to part with it, but hso's friend will not be the only moth attracted to the flame. Any offers received can be used to sweeten a right of first refusal or a friend's offer, and this will likely not be public information.

Of course I may not know what I am talking about, and the bid history will tell the tale.

 

[hso]

This is a test and a cheap ad.

That's a good insight. Sites like Arizona Custom Knives take a reasonable percentage, but post this on eBay and getting no bids makes for free advertising and a no fee sale opportunity. Very likely correct.

 

[Boattale]

I'm gonna bid $700,000.

 

[DM~]

A sucker is born every day...

DM

 

[Spats McGee]

I'm wondering how many people would see it in a box at a garage sale and go right past it....

Sadly, I would.

 

[Kingcreek]

Many years ago, when listserve was it, before the vast www and forums (and dinasaurs roamed the earth) I was part of a knife collectors group. Some of us met up for dinner and drinks after a big knife show. It was a great chance for show and tell. One gentleman remained quiet until everyone else had produced their bling. He reached under the table and produced a slightly rusty samurai blade with no handle, steel only. He said it was a bargain at $20k and now the 5th one in his collection.
That was when it really dawned on me that true collectors are a different breed of animal. And money or cost is relative.