How to identify old pocket knives
Learn how to identify old pocket knives using maker marks, tang stamps, pattern, blade, handle material, and condition.
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Learn how to identify old pocket knives using maker marks, tang stamps, pattern, blade, handle material, and condition.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, maker, completeness, legality, and demand can materially change value.
Quick checklist
- Photograph the full item, maker marks, serials, inscriptions, measurements, materials, accessories, cases, scabbards, labels, and documents.
- Document condition before cleaning: corrosion, sharpening, repairs, missing parts, moth damage, replaced components, fading, holes, and restoration.
- Keep provenance, service records, capture papers, certificates, unit history, receipts, and related groups together.
Note: We couldn’t find enough auction records that directly match How to identify old pocket knives to publish a defensible price table. If you are valuing a specific item, include its maker, model, material, photos, and condition so the search can be narrowed.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific pocket knife.
Shown USD range: USD 10-USD 200. Median of these 10 USD examples: USD 67.50.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Case XX pocket knife | Appalachian Trading Post & Auction Company | 2026-02-07 | 223 | USD 60 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
NOS RED LETTER STAG HANDLE CASE XX POCKET KNIFE | Appalachian Trading Post & Auction Company | 2024-04-27 | 240 | USD 100 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage Remington USA RB1240 NEW Musket-1 Powderhorn Daddy Barlow Pocket Knife, Made In USA | Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer | 2025-05-31 | 151 | USD 38 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage Case XX Changer 4-Blade Interchangeable Pocket Knife Set, 1990s | Ace Of Estates | 2026-03-29 | 113440 | USD 160 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
CASE CUTLERY AMBER STOCKMAN 00039 POCKET KNIFE | Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC | 2015-11-15 | 5253 | USD 20 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
ANTIQUE LAGUIOLE FRENCH FOLDING POCKET KNIFE | Davis Brothers Auction | 2021-06-06 | 148 | USD 110 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Schrade Scrimshaw Pocket Knife | Berner's Auction Gallery | 2024-08-08 | 1545 | USD 25 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Case XX Mahican Canoe Pocket Knife | Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC | 2026-01-18 | 144 | USD 200 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Case XX 6220 Pocket Knife | Mebane Antique Auction | 2023-11-11 | 86 | USD 75 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Barlow Pocket Knife | Mike Nichols Auctions | 2026-03-01 | 892 | USD 10 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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