Help on Value of older Randall Model 1

[Wapiti]

I am trying to estimate the value of a family friend's knife collection who passed away recently. There are three knives whose value I am not positive about.

I have put up photos of the knives with as much information as I thought might be helpful, on a page here:
http://www.stoneandsteel.net/gallery/
(click on the smaller photos for lager ones...)

I have gotten some feedback about the Dennehy hunter and the Randall, but thought I would ask here, since Randalls are this forum's specialty.

I would appreciate any thoughts, general or specific.

Thank you,
Brome

[BoBlade]

Good morning, Brome

I can't speak to the other two knives, but I believe the 1-6 is mid 60's (Vietnam era). Without provenance and in the condition it's in I would venture to say it's market value might be about $650.00 - $750.00. Hope this helps some and hope you get some other opinions as well.

Best,

Ron

[hammerdownnow]

I guessed that one all wrong. To me, this could be the center piece of someones Randall collection. I did not notice it was a 6. Of course a 7 or 8" might be worth more, but a 6 is just so practical. And that finger grooved stag! WOW. I don't know for sure, but I know what I like, and I could see someone going a little overboard to own that one.

[BoBlade]

Hammerdown,

I agree: I think a 6" blade is optimal and I also love the fingergrooves. Here are a couple of e-bay reference points:

This first (1-6) knife is a few years later (maybe mid 70's). No fingergrooves, but it's near mint.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

This next one is the closest: A 1-7 with 7 spacers and fingergrooves same era as Brome's again near mint.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Here's an older 1-8 with Heiser sheath in pretty poor condition.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Condition is always a big factor unless as I mentioned there was Vietnam Provenance to go along with it.

Best,

Ron

[hammerdownnow]

I feel the old mans pain in number three. Every knife has its own unique personality.Subtle differences in line and flow stimulate varied primal responses in the viewer. Altho those three are what they are, none speak to me the way the 1-6 does. Or, it could just be camera angle.

[Wapiti]

Thank you for your thoughts and estimates at a value.

Having held the knife and looked at the sheath, I can vouch for its beaty and great feel.

I felt that fact that it has been used, but taken care of, made it all the more beautiful to me. The handle feels like those fine pocket worn Case slipjoints; warm and just right in the hand.
I, also prefer the 6" length.

As far as a Vietnam connection, Pete Brewer served in the Navy during the late 60's and early 70's and carried both the Moran and Randall then (as well as an older Morseth), but I don't know how close his connection was to that war.

Brome

[BoBlade]

Brome,

If you can establish any kind of Vietnam connection via letter from Peter or his family I think this would help the value considerably. Even if Peter was on a ship offshore of Vietnam during his enlistment this would still be considered Vietnam provenance. Just the fact that Peter carried the knife while in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era will help.

Ron

[BoBlade]

Brome,

I sent the photo of your Moran to a friend of mine who knows this maker. His comments were "Old Limekiln stamp, looks like what Moran called an Airman model, subject to closer inspection top dollar is $2.5K - $3K". Let me know if you want me to put you in touch with him.

Ron

[hammerdownnow]

I have been searching for an interview with Bill Moran. I seem to remember him saying he was floored by the fact that one of his knives went for $30,000. This is not the one but It may be interesting to you guys.
Moran interview

Here are a few without price estimates.
collectibles