All About Pocket Knives

I have a complete set of the world's first oil well anniversary knife set. (dated 1859-1984). This 3 piece set was created by Master cutler Fred Sampson who retired from Queen cutlery. The knives are all stamped 055 (serial number) Can anyone give me a value of this set?

Here is where we would like some Photos!

I am not sure which knives you speak of in the set.

There was a barlow, torched sawcut bone handled, but I think that was issued in the late 70s? And is not like the other two. Is this one of your 3?

There was a medium size stag lockback (1500 model size) which came with a deep blade etch and a black hard case. This is the one seen most often and I have seen it sell online for between $65 and over $100 (rarely). I paid 80 for a very nice one. This is a very attractive lockblade and one of few medium sized in torched stag. I am sure it was the most popular and you do see them from time to time online and at shows, often without the case.

There was a very hard to find small lockback in stag ( like model 8445) which also came in a black case and had a deep blade etch. I have only seen one of these and it was not for sale. Even if rare it is hard to imagine this knife as much more than the 1500 size medium lockback.

Not a wholesale price, but pending your answers I would speculate $200 - to - $250 for the 3 (if it is the barlow and not a rarer model). I would be hard pressed to pay that myself, but if they were prime...

I really like the Drake well story and how Titusville was once "The Queen City" There is fascinating history here.

Best of luck to you.

If interested, my grandfather (who was a Queen Salesman in the 70's and 80's) has the prototype oil knife made for the medium lockback set, serial # 0000, for sale right now. He is asking $200 for it.

Prototypes are a different matter, especially with the #000. That would be a very special knife. Queen has not made stag lockbacks in a long time and that medium (1500 pattern I think) is very nice. I've not carried it - the box makes it hard to get in and out of your pocket, but I would like to see more like it - with the nice D2.

I am guessing if the barlow is part of this "set" I've never seen them boxed and they were available earlier than the other two I think - but they are similar in acknowledging Drake well..