Randall value

[digi-shots]

I may have an opportunity to get a Vietnam veteran used Randall. Would it help establish provenance and increase value if I had him sign the back of the leather sheath? Or would this be a deterrent?

 

It was his personal knife and carried on 2 tours of duty.

 

Thanks for your input!

[doyler]

Histroy is nice and adds to it but Model number and other factors will add in.

 

Condition may be relevant to some and if the scabbard is original etc.

 

Value is more (to me) than a new made Randall but the market can be funny too(resale wise)

 

I wouldnt sign the scabbard but have him write a letter to accompany the knife.Possibly a ohoto of him wearing it during his time in Vietnam and then photo him with the knife and letter and have it notorized as well.

 

Would love to see it.

[digi-shots]

Thanks, Doyler!

 

It's a no. 2 - not sure what "dash" number it is... tan sheath had a pocket/stone. I didn't think to count the spacers etc.... leather handle, brass guard and nickel cap, oval Randall logo on back of sheath.

 

I should know more in a day or so. If I can get it, I'll be sure to get some kind of provenance... I know notarized letters are good but they sometimes scare people off or make them uneasy.

[doyler]

I had a #2 from around 1968.This is the Fighting Stilletto.New price is $395 retail.

 

Ususally on the scabbard there will be a set of numbers on the back.First is model number..Like 2-7 would be Model #2 and & inch blade hence 2-7 oon the markings.

 

[sactroop]

Excuse me for jumping in. If you get the picture taken, I'd just add to take one with you, the owner and the knife together. It will add to the "chain of custody". Also with the service information you get from him it helps to be able and collect specifics of his service record, even if it just ties down some of the where and when things show up from official documents. You might end up being the one who digs up the paper trail.

[Ronnie]

If he doesn't want to write you a note and sign it then offer to write the note for him. If he still doesn't want to do that then I would get him to sign the back with his service number. Pictures of the knife before you buy it would be good. Some of us are Randall collectors as am I. If the stone is salmon colored then it isn't Vietnam vintage. We could help you.

Hope this helps.

Ronnie

[digi-shots]

Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate it!

 

A friend of mine has the knife and is selling it for the owner.. he was trying to establish a price or value. I told him I was very interested and not to look any further for a buyer. Hopefully, if the price is right, I plan to get some other small memorabilia from the owner to go with it. I'll take pics, get it signed or whatever.

 

I was a bit excited when I saw the knife and it never occurred to me to snap some quick pics with my cell phone... this would have eliminated my questions now on spacer colors, original stone, whether the imprint on the back of the scabbard was vertical/horizontal, etc..

 

I'm picky (and paranoid) about provenance! I see so many put together groupings that I'm turned off by them. I actually have a photo of a fellow signing a photo of him talking to JFK at Naval Station Norfolk..., and another photo of a USMC veteran signing an ERDL cap!

 

Thanks again!

[doyler]

Good luck and hope it works out.

 

All good options and advice given.