Remington 1173 question

[coffeecup]

I went knife-shopping today (anyone who knows me knows how unusual it is that I go "shopping" instead of "swapping") and ran across a 1173. Usual cracks in the bone, clip blade about 85% there, spey had been sharpened a couple-three times. What would be a reasonable price for such an item?

No, I didn't buy it.

Thanks.

[remington collector]

An original or modern repo?

[coffeecup]

Original. I can't find a decent repro that fits what I want, so I started looking for an original.

Still haven't bought it, but I'm seriously thinking about it . . .

[remington collector]

A knife of that caliber would require an individual apprasial. If the spey had only been sharpened a few times that would really help the value. Some books list the 1173 in mint condition at $4000 or more. If the knife in question would grade at very good I wouln't be suprised to see $1500 or more at auction. Be advised that the 1173 is probably the next to the hardest Remington Bullet knife to aquire and that pattern has been counterfeited and faked quite regularly. If you can confirm that it is authentic it would be a wise investement.

[coffeecup]

Remington collector, thanks for the replies. I am reasonably certain the knife is authentic, having some knowledge of the previous owners (I can't believe I missed that estate sale. . . ). I'm more familiar with grading guns and antiquarian books, but my gut says the knife would grade out in the good-to-very-good range. I'd definitely go over it with a fine tooth comb before purchase--did not measure to see if the clip blade was tipped, for instance.

The hopeful seller is asking $1900, which I thought was too much even knowing I could do most of it in trade.

I have to ask, what is the most difficult Bullet Knife to acquire?

[remington collector]

The rarest Bullet pattern without a doubt is a R4466, baby muskrat with stag handles.