Dates back to the 1940’s or 50’s. Don’t know an exact date, but plastic handles were common in the 1960’s.
The tip of the curved blade is broken off and the blade is heavily worn from many sharpenings. Case will repair the knife (for a fee). But, will that wipe out the antique value? Or is the value gone anyway because the blade tip is broken?
Will getting the blade replaced increase the antique value?
That’s a cool knife. I have a few old Cases; used collect them with my dad.
I don’t think it has a ton of value* and would be more useful with full blades. I’d be inclined to change it.
*to my knowledge, the pricier old knives were the ones with stag handles, whittlers, etc. Have you checked eBay auctions, online collectible knife dealers? As a guess, I’d say it was worth in the $25 - $50???
I fix and restore antiques as part of my buisness. When I get asked if restoring affects the value I always say it depends. Mostly I work with old brass lamps. If it has a heavy patina and looks old, some people value that, because it looks authentic. But in a very formal setting it will look dingy and out of place. So refinished and looking bright and new will be approprate. In a casual setting like a log cabin, it will look shiny and stick out like a sore thumb. Restored or original, still might get the sime price, but looking for two distinct buyers.
Functionality is a factor. Broken doesn’t do anybody any good.
Value wise, it was your Grandfathers, are you going to sell it? If the answer is hell no! It was Granddads. Then screw the value, fix it, use it, and remember Grandpa and smile every time you do use it.
