Nothing wild, just a nice earlier brass "von Stein" with a mint blade, 97% scabbard paint, and zero problems. I had this on my table at a small local show today, not even a nibble (I don't use price tags) even though I think priced fairly and miles less than the "famous" dealer websites at $425 with a few bucks haggle room left. But junky/broken HJ knives selling elsewhere along with rusty K98 bayonets. Is the market for swords dead along with the economy ?? Or is every new collector only interested in junk and the dealer created artificial valued market (SA, 2nd Luft, HJ, etc) ?

I was amazed. I'll put it back in the closet before I give it away, but interests younger collectors have these days leaves me baffled. Am I missing something, because in terms of quality, etc. it's a no brainer to me. Personally, I'd need to be on drugs and brain damaged to pay more for an HJ pocket knife than a quality dress sword.

Mark,

WWII swords have always had an odd market it seems. Either you like them or you don't. I recall a few years ago when you could not give a German sword away when common German daggers always sold. Dagger collectors did not collect swords... just daggers.

That has/is changing. There are more sword collectors who are interested in swords (other than SS) than ever before and prices have risen in the past few years. Most people seem to still just walk on by them at shows though. All the better for me since I collect swords and perhaps buy one dagger every couple of years any more. I personally think you get a better bang for your buck with swords but I am still in the minority it seems.

I am a younger collector who has been collecting swords and medals for just a few years.
My first big purchase was a stone mint army dress sword,and in my opinon you get
so much for your money.
They really have that wow factor when they are displayed well
Thanks for showing your sword

regards Luke

At least I know I'm not nuts, thanks for comments. The junk end daggers, and a stretch to call an HJ a "dagger" just aren't worth it in any way, as if the buyers never say anything else with a cost ratio to harder to find blades that is just WAY off. Created markets are fine for the creators, but boring and junk quality to see 20 of them.

But to each their own. If I don't sell it, will stash it in the closet for a couple years then try again.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark C. Yerger (SS historian/author):
"I had this on my table at a small local show today, not even a nibble (I don't use price tags) even though I think priced fairly".

Mark,
You might try using price tags. When I see something on a table with no price listed, I walk away assuming the item is:
1) Not really for sale and the owner is playing the old "Look what I have - and you don't" game.
2) The item is for sale but the price is most likely, astronomical.
3) My all time favorite! There is no price on the item - the exhibitor is nowhere to be seen and his wife has no idea what the price is.

Sorry to be so blunt Mark, and nothing personal but this is one of my (and a lot of other collectors) pet peeves in attending shows for over 50 years. Can you imagine a local store in which you have to ask the owner for a price on each and every item before making a buying decision?

Mark, I think your right about the swords. I'm mainly a sword collector, and have found to get alot more for your money than a dagger, and lots of variety among the differnt maker, types, etc. The Imperial sword offer a great area to collect also, with many more etched and damast blades around. Plus, you dont have so many high quality fakes as you do in the dagger world. In fact alot of the fakes, esp. the chinese one, are really easy to spot. Other than some people fooling around with the police SS sword, a collector is pretty safe. However, maybe what turns off some people, is that they do take more room to store, not as easy to transport, etc.
For a buyer...this is still a great time to get into swords!!!

Mark, If you want to sell the sword , just run your add in the for sale section. Were it should be anyway.. Regards: James

Mark,

I think Denny is right about the price tag. I have always wondered whether sellers with unpriced items tend to set the price according to their evaluation of the customer's wallet.

Myself, I look at the goodies at tables with no prices, but move on without comment or question.

On the other subject, I agree 100% that swords are greatly underappreciated and underpriced. I think one major problem is their size. Hard to send anywhere and they don't fit in a lockbox.

Dave

I have to agree with Denny and Dave I always feel I'm being sized up with no price in view

quote:

Mark, If you want to sell the sword , just run your add in the for sale section. Were it should be anyway..

In short I should have said you will have better luck listing it here.. Regards: James

Hi Mark!
Well, if you own it, is there any history on the piece?
I don't think it will last, someone should want it who sees it here.
Best Wishes,
Bob

quote:

Originally posted by DAMAST:

quote:

Mark, If you want to sell the sword , just run your add in the for sale section. Were it should be anyway..

In short I should have said you will have better luck listing it here.. Regards: James

Not a desperate for sale. My curious is the current mindset.

Lots of other stuff I had asked about or went, tags never an issue for me. And been around all this since the early 70s. I'm known enough here people know it's not display only, it's for sale. A guy (early 20s) showed me his newly bought $800 HJ knife and asked what I thought. Said I'll take the big screen TV for 800. If I HAD to keep it forever, I wouldn't give $50 for an HJ knife. Didn't even want one in the 70s when I collected daggers and they were $10.

I question whether the demand for swords and daggers will continue to hold in the next few years, but who knows. Swords have always lagged behing daggers and always will. I rarely see swords at shows any more and when I do, no one wants them. Even at SOS there are very few swords and very few buyers. I like them and collect them, but there arent many sword collectors out there. I dont think your experience is unusual. Joe S