All About Pocket Knives

I normally collect Case knives and know little or nothing about German Eye knives. I purchased this German Eye stag trapper a while back and recently listed it on eBay. The bids have gone higher than I expected (currently at $275 with 4 days left) and I was wondering if anyone could give me some information and value on this knife.

I would think the age on this one would be 1981 or later. But not much later.
The round shield started in 1981 as did that particular tang stamp.
The value will be what the knife sells for in the auction.
Nice knife.

Ray

Ray of course is right on target as to time frame. In my humble opinion at $275 with 4 days left the possibility exists for some crazy bidding. I would sit on the side line and see what transpires. The current bidding is on the very high end for this trapper, even though it’s a nice example. I’m not the expert here but eBay can reset our thinking at any time.

Joe D.

Thank you Ray and Joe for the information. I was definitely surprised to see the bids going so high, but it seems like good knives are bringing crazy prices these days.

Amen and when it closes will you let us know the amount please. I put it on my watch list but with eBay's new format, I am not sure I can find my watch list.

Ray

I am not questioning the authenticity of the knife. It’s very nice. But I find it odd that there is no blade etching on it. I’m accustomed to seeing something on almost all Eye Brands except a Barlow or a utility/scout pattern. Was there a few years without etching? The blade doesn’t appear to be buffed out.
Thanks
Froe

I believe there is faint etching on the master clip blade. Very faint but it is there.

Joe D.

For a 4" Schlieper, $275 is a high price. Schlieper made some bigger folders: 5", 5 1/2", 6" and up to 8". These very large folders usually get the higher selling prices. I think there also is a 5" Schlieper Trapper ?
I think an experienced Schlieper collector would pay up to about $150 for OP knife.
kj

All of the 23 bids on the knife have come from only 2 bidders so it is a big urinating contest.

Ray

Ray if those two boys can drink enough water, I have a few Eye Brand rolls I'd like to show them.
Froe

Stag eye trappers have always been desirable, but now days there harder to come by. I mean know retailers really have any new eye's in stock to sell if you look around. The only option is the secondary market I have a good many I should probably sell if there bringing these prices, but I just like um some much I just hang on to um.

Quote EBM, "but I just like um some much I just hang on to um. "
That is the problem with knife collecting. You can't take them with you, so when should you pass them along ? This is particularly true when your children have no interest in knives.
kj

True KJ. I’m a few years away (hopefully) from that being an immediate concern. But I often think about the knives my dad, grandfather, my father-in-law, etc.. carried and passed to me. I worry about those not being kept in the family. I am a country boy that raised a city boy. When he was small he had a collection, went with me to the shows, but now he is techie living Houston. I’m not sure the family history of these objects will survive. He’s a great kid, but more comfortable with a computer than a copperhead.
Froe

Here's a better picture with the blade etching. I should have posted this picture in the original post. The blade etching is pretty clear when holding in hand, but my camera doesn't do the best job at showing it.

Thanks for all the comments and information...

Ended up selling for $285.