Where to sell 2 Moran's?

[SVanderkolff]

A gentleman that I have met at a number of knife shows has decided to sell the 2 Moran's that he has. 1 is a classic Moran fighter with the hump back handle and the silver inlay, the other is a small patch knife. He has authentication papers from Bill and both are in mint condition as far as I can tell. He has asked me for advice on where to sell them. After offering him $100 a piece for them I told him I would ask here on the forum. He is not really a knife person and is very leery about getting ripped off. He is located in Canada so the whole border thing may come into play as well.
My first suggestion was to contact one of the bigger knife auction houses but he was not keen on giving up 25% of the sale price.
Thanks for the help.
Steve

[hammerdownnow]

The sky could be the limit on ebay. Put a high reserve on the fighter. At least $ 2000.00 and see where it goes. If it don't meet the reserve, he has not lost but a couple bucks for listing. List it a couple times and he will have an idea what the market will bear. I don't believe $3,500 - $5,000 would be unrealistic. In fact I may be way low. I would ask Bernard Levine. 25 bucks to get a good apraisal is worth it.

[hammerdownnow]

check out this auction. See the part where it says what the chances of finding a moran original are.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=20271

edit: after re-reading the listing I see they were referring to finding a Moran Kenshar, but still......

[Les Robertson]

Guys,

You have to do your homework when it comes to collectibles of any type...to include custom knives.

Prices on Moran knives vary. For instance what is the mark on the blade?

Ive seen the two knives in question. One is a fairly plain ST-23 and the other is a more ornate ST-24.

The place to sell these is not on Ebay. It is through reputable custom knife people.

Look at the "custom knives" on Ebay, 30% of them aren't.

Additionally, Morans are some of the most counterfitted knives out there...can you tell the difference between a real and a fake Moran?

Does the knife have a sheath? Silver wire inlay on the sheath?

Population report...total knives? Total like it? Total made that year?

lots of questions to ask. Lots of things that can impact either positively or negatively the price of the knife.

Don't just assume that just because a particular maker made the knife it is worth "BIG BUCKS".

After all, Bill is still making knives. In fact he will have some for sale next week in San Diego.

Good Hunting.

Hammerdown, one more thing. Any time your in the market for a Moran contact me. If you've got the money, Ive got the Moran.

[Les Robertson]

Hi STeve,

Well it appears I made a mistake. I have come to find out that there are actually two different individuals selling two Moran's each.

So I have not seen the one's that this thread referes to.

[SharpByCoop]

Steve, if this is truly the case, I would have your friend contact Dave Ellis of www.exquisiteknives.com.

Les brings up MANY valued points, and any Custom dealer would be *real* pleased to take a first look at these. Because of Dave's vast experience with reselling Moran's, he would be my first choice as a source of selling to or getting honest advice. He's always been straight with me.

Email: ellis@exquisiteknives.com

Keep us posted!

Coop

[hammerdownnow]

Thanks Les, I just got excited for a minute there. I had forgot that you would know what to do. Ebay is full of fakes but it is a learning ground and a barometer. I would say the relationship of crooks to straights is about proportionate to your average small town gun/knife show. Tall tails have always been a part of it. I have been stung a few times. Everytime I have had to laugh because it was due to my own greed. I agree there is no substitute for home work. Knowing the good from bad is part of the fun. Foolish statments like "It's a Moran" it has to be worth a million" is what keeps the fake market going. Thanks for the sage advice and the kind way you put it. I'll keep your offer in mind in case I win the lottery.

[Buddy Thomason]

One possibility that's not been mentioned is "contact the maker." Mr. Moran's wait list is as long as the Milky Way and there are folks waiting patiently who might jump at this opportunity. Mr. Moran would probably feel good about helping them out. There's potential for a win-win all around and he's also in a good position to suggest a fair price too. I can't imagine he'd want a percentage either. A nicer man you'll never meet! His P.O. Box and phone# are available to anyone at www.americanbladesmith.com in the Mastersmith list section. Steve, good on ya, mate!--for trying to help a fellow out.

[Les Robertson]

Hi Steve,

Coop made an excellent suggestion...Dave Ellis. Great guy. Buys and sells as many Morans as he can get.

[hammerdownnow]

Any updates on the outcome of this?

[SVanderkolff]

The gentleman is supposed to be contacting Mr White to get some professional type pictures taken and then will be sending those pictures on to the interested parties. I have not heard if this has happened yet.
Steve

[murrphy]

nothing has happened. Guess he is busy. Did some instructing and photo taking last weekend with a collector.