Noname Antiques » 18 Most Valuable Case Knives Worth Money

18 Most Valuable Case Knives Worth Money

If you’re wondering why vintage Case knives cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, let us tell you the reasons why!

This family-owned knife company has a decades-old history. Anyone who has been researching the company or collecting its knives can say that W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. has brought nothing but quality and high-performance knives to the table.

Among their excellent knives are a few either released in limited condition or extremely vintage or with extraordinary features. These stand-out pieces definitely are worth more. In this post, let’s look at the 18 most valuable case knives!

Most Valuable Case Knives Worth Money

1.  Case Tested XX 6488 Greenbone Congress Knife – $3,500

Case Tested XX 6488 Greenbone Congress Knife

Case XX 6488 model greenbone congress knife, belonging to the 1920-1940 era, is amongst the rare vintage case knives. This item is for sale on eBay for $3,500. Although a used piece, this case knife is still in good condition.

The handle material of this 4-bladed pocketknife is bone. The handle comes with CASE engraving, and the base of one of the blades says CASE TESTED XX, meaning quality assured!

 

2.  Case Tested XX 53131 Canoe Knife with Genuine Stag Handles – $3,200

Case Tested XX 53131 Canoe Knife with Genuine Stag Handles

This three-bladed Case tested XX 53131 pocketknife comes with genuine stag handles. The blade edges are plain, and the knife measures 3 5/8 inches. While the exact year of manufacture remains unknown, the knife dates back to 1920-1940.

The eBay seller further mentions that the knife has been well-maintained and cleaned to the point it closely resembles a Mint condition knife. Moreover, there are no cracks or major imperfections on the handle, as per the seller. The piece is valued at $3,200 as of March 2022.

 

3.  Case Tested XX 6254 Trapper Folding Knife Greenbone Knife – $2,500

Case Tested XX 6254 Trapper Folding Knife Greenbone Knife

To this date, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. is serving its customers with fabulous quality case knives. No wonder their vintage case knives come with hefty price tags!

Take the Case Tested XX trapper folding greenbone knife for an example. This 6254 model is super rare and is valued at $2,500 on eBay as of March 2022.

This model can be dated back to the 1920s. The knife has two blades, and the handle is composed of Winterbottom bone.

 

4.  Case XX 6294 Vintage Knife Pre 1960 – $1995.95

Case XX 6294 Vintage Knife Pre 1960

The way the tang stamp ‘CASE XX’ is engraved in the blade hints that the knife dates back to probably around 1940-1964. The marking says ‘CASE’ in plain lettering with ‘XX’ below it.

As per the Etsy seller, BIGALSEMPORIUMByMARK, the blades’ glare, and luster are preserved impeccably.

However, the silver on the ‘CASE’ is somewhat tarnished. The vintage Case 6294 model is in itself rare, and the Etsy shop has listed the product for $1995.95. The Case 6294 model has plain edges and measures around 4 ¼ closed.

 

5.  Case Tested XX 5387 Gunstock Whittler Stag Handle Knife – $1995

Case Tested XX 5387 Gunstock Whittler Stag Handle Knife

Case XX 5387 stag gunstock Whittler pocket knife was manufactured in Bradford, PA, around 1920-1940. This model features three blades and is 3 ½ inches long when closed.

Also Read  10 Most Popular Old Jewelry Boxes Styles

You’ll witness a tang stamp specific to 1920-1940 marked on the base of one blade and the model number ‘5387’ marked on the other.

The handle is a genuine stag, and this particular piece has no significant cracks or damage on it. However, this antique piece listed on eBay for $1995 is not in a ‘new’ condition. According to the seller, it has been used and sharpened multiple times.

 

6.  Case XX 5488 Long Congress Stag Handle Knife – $1,700

Case XX 5488 Long Congress Stag Handle Knife

‘CASE XX’ marking specific to 1940-1964 can be witnessed on one of the four blades of this 5488 long congress knife. The convex front curved handle of this congress knife is made up of original stag, and the handle looks still in pristine condition in the photos.

The 5-star rated Etsy seller, CrystalsTreasures, has mentioned that the knife is in near-mint condition. The pictures tell the same story. Furthermore, the blades are assured to be tight and with good snaps.

 

7.  Case Tested XX 8308 Whittler Knife with Genuine Mother of Pearl Handles – $1,225

Case Tested XX 8308 Whittler Knife with Genuine Mother of Pearl Handles

Another valuable Case knife is a Case XX 8308 Whittler knife, a three-bladed plain-edged model with a white shell handle. This item is vintage from 1920-1940, and one of these is listed on eBay for $1,225.

The seller mentions that the pocketknife is at least 81 years antique. It is in the Whitler pattern and measures 3 ¼ inches closed.

Furthermore, they also assure the customers that the vintage piece is well preserved and is almost as good as mint condition, with no major damages to the handle and the blades.

 

8.  Case Tested XX 6394 Cigar Stockman Greenbone Handles – $1,200

Case Tested XX 6394 Cigar Stockman Greenbone Handles

4 ¼ inches long ½ L.P. Case XX Cigar Stockman 6394 is amongst the most sought-after vintage case knives. This pocketknife is from the 1920-1940 era and has bone handles. In the Pocket Knife Trader’s Price Guide, this model is valued at $5,500.

That being said, you might be able to find a good condition preowned and used vintage Case XX 6394 knife for around $1,200 to $1,800.

For instance, a vintage Case tested XX 6394 ½ L.P. knife is priced at $1,850 on eBay. This iconic piece, although used, is still in a good damage-free condition.

 

9.  Case XX USA 4100 SS Serrated Blade Melon Tester Knife – $1,100

Case XX USA 4100 SS Serrated Blade Melon Tester Knife

Case XX USA stainless steel blade Melon Tester knife belongs to 1965-1969 and comes with a ‘CASE XX STAINLESS U.S.A’ stamp on blade’s one side. This specific model is engraved ‘4100’ on the other side of the blade.

While many Melon Tester knives feature a plain edge, this model is designed to have a serrated edge. The knife is 5 ½ closed, and the blade is made up of stainless steel. The bolsters and liners are composed of nickel silver alloys.

 

10. Case Tested XX 6237 Greenbone Medium Coke Knife – $995

Case Tested XX 6237 Greenbone Medium Coke Knife

The greenbone handles that come with Case XX 6237 medium coke knife slightly resemble a coke bottle. The model is two-bladed, and the primary blade is marked with a  ‘CASE TESTED XX’ in a 1920-1940 era-specific manner.

These knives are 3 ½ inches when closed and were manufactured in Bradford, PA. The condition of this specific coke knife listed on eBay for $995 seems ‘good’, judging the photos.

Also Read  15 Best Antique Stores in Maryland

Expect some age-appropriate wear on the knife. Furthermore, the seller assures that the blades are tight and have a good snap.

 

11. Case Tested XX 5275S Stag Handle Folding Pocket Knife – $810

Case Tested XX 5275S Stag Handle Folding Pocket Knife

The Case tested XX 5275S folding knife is also one of the super rare Case knives. The handle is made up of genuine stag, and the knife is 4 1/8 inches long closed and 7 3/8 inches open. The blade length is around 3 1/8 inches. Moreover, the blade edges are plain.

One of these iconic knives is for sale on Etsy for $810. This particular piece looks heavily worn as ‘CASE’ on the handle as well as the ‘CASE TESTED XX’ mark on the blade is not evident. However, you can still notice the ‘5275S’ model marking on the blade.

A gift wrapping option is also available in case you’re planning to surprise your favorite knife collector!

 

12. Case Tested XX 3285 LP Yellow Composition Knife – $799

Case Tested XX 3285 LP Yellow Composition Knife

Here’s another iconic Case knife – Case tested XX 3285 long pull composition two-blade knife. The model can be dated back to the 1920-1940 era. You’ll definitely want to come by this model if you’re a doctor knives enthusiast.

The bolsters are nickel silver, and the liners are brass. When closed, this knife is around 3 5/8 inches long. The price of this composition handle Case tested XX 3285 LP knife is $799 on AAPK, sold by Steph’s Knives.

 

13. Case XX 6250 Toenail/Sunfish Knife – $699

Case XX 6250 ToenailSunfish Knife

As per the seller on AAPK, Case XX 6250 sunfish pocketknives are getting rarer and rarer. These models bear the 1940-1964 CASE stamp, i.e., ‘CASE’ with ‘XX’ below it. The knife has two blades and a cherry red bone handle.

Steph’s Knives has listed a vintage Case XX 6250 toenail knife for $699 on AAPK. The blades on the antique knife piece lock up nicely and tight. However, you might witness rubbing marks and minor signs of wear on the bases of blades. The bone handle is depicted to be in supreme condition.

 

14. Case XX Bradford PA USA Apollo 11 Mission Replica Knife – $500

Case XX Bradford PA USA Apollo 11 Mission Replica Knife

‘FIRST STEPS ON THE MOON JULY 20, 1969’ is marked on the replicas of the knife that was taken to the Moon on the Apollo 11 manufactured by the Case company in 1989. It was the 20th year of the Apollo 11 mission and the centennial celebration for the company, i.e., 1889-1989.

Only 1000 of these special knives were produced, and this commemorative model is more scarce today than ever. The blade depicts Apolo 11, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, and the U.S. flag on the blade. The handle is made up of composite, and the knife is displayed on a black resin cast plaque.

The serial no. 001 of this commemorative knife is priced at $500 on AAPK by the seller Sanders Knives.

 

15. 1981 Case Sidewinder Knife With Rosewood Handles – $446.50

1981 Case Sidewinder Knife With Rosewood Handles

The 1981 Case side release lock blade folding knife is 5 1/4 inches long. The stainless steel blade features a serpent and ‘SIDEWINDER’ written right below it. The blade is 3 3/8 inches long.

Also Read  11 Most Valuable Antique Auto Badges Worth Money

The tang stamp on this piece is ‘CASE XX SS USA’. Moreover, the knife was manufactured in Bradford, PA, and features seven dots. The handle is genuine rosewood, which is secured with nickel-silver bolsters and seven brass pins.

This 1981 Case Sidewinder knife on eBay comes with the factory Case box, sheath, and warranty papers. Get your hands on it before it sells out!

 

16. Case XX Knife & Shadow Box 80th Anniversary SC 5165 SS Model – $479.99

Case XX Knife & Shadow Box 80th Anniversary SC 5165 SS Model

The serial no. 3004 of 1985 Case XX 5165 stainless steel knife with a second cut stag handle is on sale on eBay for $479.99.

The exclusive model was released as the commemorative piece on the 80th anniversary of Case Cutlery. This folding hunter knife comes in a shadow box display case. The knife blade spells ‘W.R. Case & SONS CUTLERY CO. 80th ANNIVERSARY 1905-1985’.

Only 5000 of these knives were released on this occasion. Therefore, it goes without saying that this model is super rare and highly sought after. When closed, the iconic knife measure 5 ¼ inches, and the blade is over 4 inches long.

 

17. Case XX U.S. Army Est. 1775 Bowie Knife Display Set – $517.70

Case XX U.S. Army Est. 1775 Bowie Knife Display Set

With only 175 of this limited edition U.S. Army Case knife being manufactured, this knife rightfully comes with an around $500 price tag. The serial no. 1 ‘new’ condition knife listed on eBay is priced at $517.70.

The stainless steel blade is etched with the ‘I AM AN AMERICAN SOLDIER’ tagline. The knife is 14 ½ inches when folded. The U.S. Army est. 1775 case knife model features plastic handles. The blade is more than 5 inches long with a plain edge.

 

18. Case XX W.R. Case & Sons D-Day Commemorative 1994 Six Dot Bowie knife – $429

Case XX W.R. Case & Sons D-Day Commemorative 1994 Six Dot Bowie knife

Only 1500 D-Day Commemorative case knives were released by W.R. Case & Sons company in commemoration of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s military invasion of Europe. The box describes the actions as ‘the greatest military operation the world has ever known’.

The near mint state knife listed on Etsy by TreasuresbyMoStore is stamped ‘CASE XX USA’with serial no. ‘0283’ on top. Likewise, ‘BOWIE’with six dots above the text is stamped right below the tang stamp. Only one of these 1994 antique knife pieces is available on Etsy as of March 2022.

 

Summary

If you were planning to get your hands on an iconic and precious Case knife, we hope this list was able to guide you. Also, share some of your favorite Case knife models in the comment section below! We’d love to interact with a fellow knife fanatic. Happy collecting!

17 thoughts on “18 Most Valuable Case Knives Worth Money”

  1. I’m looking for Case XX Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative knife. With box and sheath. Please connect me if wanting to sell. Thanks

    Reply
  2. I have a stag tested peanut that has a long pull on the blade,not mint but in very good condition. 1920-1940. I would sell. HAD FOR 25YRS

    Reply
  3. Thanks for your information, I have 2 of the 1981 Case Sidewinders. The 1st one I bought from a friend in the mid to late 80’s for $60.00. I carried it daily for years on my side. I used it as a my only carrying knife for years. Cutting whatever needed cutting, there’s no telling how many deer I cleaned with this knife. After years of enjoying my Sidewinder, I discovered the rarity and value of these knives, so I quit carrying the ole boy. In the mid 90’s I stopped in a local pond shop to look around. To my surprise they had a brand-new Sidewinder in the box, never used, it was/is in mint condition. They were asking $150 for it. I got it for $90. To this day it is in my case knife collection I gave to my son. The used one is in my truck for cleaning fingernails and other general needs.

    Reply
  4. I have a case xx stainless USA 6 dot on one side of blade and 79 ss on the other side. It’s a 2 blade pocket knife.. a friend gave it to me today! Does the 79 mean it was made in 1979? Does anyone know what this knife may be worth?

    Reply
  5. Hello,the 5275 knife you have pictured if I am not mistaken should actually have 2 blades ( second digit in pattern number is number of blades) and looks like someone did a shitty job of repining the bolster back on where the one blade is at . The reason the tag stamp of case is missing is because the main blade is gone.

    Reply
    • Damn good eye there! Hopefully the one they have up for sale isn’t this one for $810.00. I knew something was fishy when I didn’t see case brand stamped into the blade. I have seen ones that where wore and hard to read,but never gone like pictured. Someone tried to dress it up and put make-up on it too list 4 sale is what it looks like to me.

      Reply
  6. 3 knives
    Texas Jack. Item# 00238- 6292

    2-Blade PKT. 22087SS. – item#00220

    JACK TEXAS – BNPS. – AMBER
    Item# 00077. 032 62032 CV
    Thank you
    Ancie

    Reply

Leave a Comment