Questions on Old Case

[Kcuff22]

Hi everyone, first time poster. I was wondering if anyone could help me value an older Case knife I have. It is a 1940-1964 Large Congress 6488. Blades have been sharpened a lot, but still take a stellar edge. If anyone could help me, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Kevin

[robinetn]

Assuming that the back handle is as nice as the front , I had an almost identical one that I sold recently for $125 .
Bob

[Kcuff22]

Yes, the back is the same as the front, pretty nice condition. Thank you very much. I was wondering because I looked at the model number at it said between $1,300-$3,200. Thought that was a bit much haha.

[MrBlister]

what did those smaller 2 blades start life out as (before the grinder)
a pen and a coping .. . or a ????????????

[Kcuff22]

I believe so, but no clue. I actually found the knife in an old junk drawer of my step father's.

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK! Don't put much stock in "book value". These values are someone's educated guess or opinion, and probably out-of-date before the book was published. They can be useful as a relative measure of value of one knife maker/pattern vs another. Most of them clearly state the prices are for knives in pristine mint condition - something rare for a knife of this vintage. Almost any flaw, even being lightly sharpened, can reduce the value by half. The best source these days is probably eBay closed auctions (what similar items have actually sold for, not what sellers are asking).

The knife you have is a nice old knife of fairly desirable pattern and vintage, but condition is far from mint. it may be worth more to you for its sentimental value. Might also make a good one to keep and carry.

Ken

[Rookie]

Welcome to AAPK! Don't put much stock in "book value". These values are someone's educated guess or opinion, and probably out-of-date before the book was published. They can be useful as a relative measure of value of one knife maker/pattern vs another. Most of them clearly state the prices are for knives in pristine mint condition - something rare for a knife of this vintage. Almost any flaw, even being lightly sharpened, can reduce the value by half. The best source these days is probably eBay closed auctions (what similar items have actually sold for, not what sellers are asking).

The knife you have is a nice old knife of fairly desirable pattern and vintage, but condition is far from mint. it may be worth more to you for its sentimental value. Might also make a good one to keep and carry.

Ken

Exactly! Take book value divided by 2 to get a real world mint knife value. If your knife isn't in mint shape, divide it by 2 again. I haven't seen a Case knife sell at book value in a long time, unless it was some super rare exotic knife from 500 years ago.

[1967redrider]

Great looking congress and to AAPK!

[prairiedog]

Welcome to aapk!
When it comes to collectors and money values...there's 3 things you have to consider....condition, condition...and the last one, condition.
From a using standpoint...you definitely have a top of the line knife for your pocket! Great pattern and find!
Enjoy!