A Scagel Knife on eBay
Continued on page 8
On October 21, 2007 at 7:21 pm this knife was
placed for auction on eBay. The starting price was
$14.95. When it ended on October 28, 2007, the final
selling price was $10,700.00. The seller had no idea
what she had, and the unfolding of this auction
provided entertainment to the knife community for
days. It was the buzz of the town so to speak. The
auction and its dialog is played out below. This was a
educational, exciting and hilarious dialog in its
question and answer portion. I have never seen as
many questions posted on a item before. I was also
impressed with the gracious and humble attitude of
the seller. (ibd)
A: No, I like to let my
auctions run and am
usually satisfied with the
outcome. Thanks, Jan
A: I think it would be best at this point to just run out the auction. I have had a
lotof interest inthe knife atthispoint. Thanks,Jan
This is a large hunting knife that has been used. I believe it’s a Treeman. It
measures 13 ½” long with an 8” blade. The handle has a small crack in it
(see pic.) and the snap is missing from the sheath. Other than that the knife
is a great hunting tool. Feels good in your hand. Markings are M.SCAGEL
HANDMADE and V. L. & (something) CHICAGO. Truly a neat addition
to yourhunting gearorany collection.You won’t be disappointed!
On Oct-22-07 at 15:30:12 PDT, seller added the following information:
Marking is W.SCAGEL not M. I'm getting an education on this knife! W
stands forWilliam!!! Thank you for looking. Jan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Oct-23-07 at 07:12:22 PDT, seller added the following information:
By now I know this is no Treeman it's a SCAGEL. I just added more
pictures. Let me know if you want any particular shot of the knife or
sheath.Thanks,Jan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Oct-24-07 at 14:49:43 PDT, seller added the following information:
Here is a little more information that may help date this knife. The stamp
on the blade is V.L.&A and stands for Von Lengerke and Antoine, a
sporting goods dealer in Chicago in the 1930's and 40's also that this 8"
blade may be one of the largest William Scagel ever produced. I hear each
Scagel knife is a one of a kind! Very cool.... Thank you for the great
information and good luck bidding. Jan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47 Questions
Q: Hi, would you have a
buy it now price ? Thanks
Oct-22-07
Q: Any chance you'd do a
'Buy it now'? Thanks for
your time. Oct-22-07
Q: I suppose I should have made an offer for the
buy-it-now instead of leaving you hanging.
Would you sell it for $200? Oct-22-07
Q: What would you want for money to just kill
the auction and sell me the item? via paypal or
cashier's check sent overnite? I've over 350+
feedback with NO negs ever. regards, mitch Oct-
22-07
Q: just wondering if when you listed this knife did you know what it was really
worth or was it a suprize to you, or do you really knowwhat you have here. rusty
Oct-22-07
Q: Hi , talk on a few
of the knife fourm's
are that you knife will
bring over $10,000 and maybe even more . just wanted to wish you luck on your
auction . take care and let your auction run . Oct-22-07
Q: BILL SCAGEL WAS BO RANDALL'S INSPIRATION INTO KNIFE
MAKING.I'M SUREYOU HAVE HEARD OF RANDALLKNIVES?YOUR
KNIFE IS THE REAL DEAL AND VERY HARD TO FIND.$5000-$8000
WOULD NOT BE UNREALISTIC.TOO RICH FOR ME,I WON'T BE
BIDDING BUTGOOD LUCKTOYOU. Oct-22-07
Q: Your knife is the BUZZ of the coffee shop. Truly a masterpiece!Any chance
of maybe a few more pictures of the handle & blade. Any pitting on the blade?
Thank you for offering this RARE jewel. I'll be bidding at the end. Please,
Please don't end this auction early!!!!Walt Oct-23-07
Q: Hi Jan, I am a knife collector and just noticed your knife auction. What a
A: Thanks for your offer but I need to pass. I'll be
satisfied whatever the outcome. Thanks, Jan
A: It has already far surpassed my expectations!
I think I'll just let it ride. Thanks anyway...Jan
A: Hi Rusty, I had no
clue and am getting
an education about
this knife. Thinking I
might need to pull this
auction and list it
correctly! Not sure
what I have or how to
handle it. This is a
total suprise! Thanks,
Jan
A: SHUTUP!!!! I was just offered $200.00 this morning! WOW I'll be sure to
let this auction run out. Thank you so much for the information... Jan
A: Thank you so much for the GREAT information. I was hoping to make
$20.00 on the knife! Jan
A: Sure, I can post more pictures today. The blade is very smooth with no
pitting or damage other than tarnish. It does look like it was sharpened once or
twice but no significant marking. Probably used a stone. Hope this information
story! Where did you get the Scagel knife and what did you pay for it? Best
Regards, Wayne Oct-23-07
Q: Hi-I came across this listing in a hobbyist group. Man I would LOVE to win
this item, but am entirely new to ebay. I have already created an account but am
unfamiliar with the bidding/payingprocess. Needless to say, I have no feedback
yet. Do you think that would be a problem for you? I could register for paypal to
make getting you the money easier too. Worst case, I could use a friends acct to
bid for me, but his rating is only somewhere in the 30's.Any help is appreciated.
I would hate to have you not trust my bid. If I'm fortunate enough to win, I could
drive and pick it up within a day. JohnAnderson, Louisville, KYOct-23-07
Q: Hey Jan, Incredible knife, looks to be in great condition. I realize that you
have already been asked, but I was wondering if there is any way at all you
would consider ending this auction early? I am willing to pay $8500.00 for the
knife, which may be more than the auction will bring. I would expect you to
complete the sale through ebay and can pick up as soon as tomorrow. Please
respond either way. I would be paying cash Thanks, Mike Oct-23-07
Q: Please don't end the auction early. The entire online knife collecting world
wants tosee howhighthis one will really go. Oct-24-07
Q:
www.PULSELIST.com -The World's #1 website for tracking the Most
Watched eBayAuctions is currently featuring your auction! Congrats and good
Luck!Hopetheextratraffichelps! Oct-24-07
Q: Whatagreatknife.Ihopeyoumakeabundleon it. Oct-24-07
Q: Jan, do not end this early to sell to anyone. Accept payment through bank
wire transfer only.You have no idea what you have! Oct-24-07
Q: Hello Jan, Thanks for the advertisement! That is a great knife and a hell of a
find. Jim BehringTreeman Knives Oct-24-07
Q: Good luck fromthe UK Jan, that's a great find! Oct-24-07
Q: somebody is looking out for you! You must have been really good lately-
your karma is catching up to you
Oct-24-07
A: Hi Wayne, I don't want to make anyone sick but I found the knife at a barn
sale sitting on a table full of just stuff, like an old oil can filler spout and a hose
nozzle "stuff". Nothing was priced and every thing had been picked over. I asked
the guy what he was asking for it and he said “how about $15.00 bucks”. I told
him that was more than I was thinking of spending. He asked what I would pay, I
said $5.00 and he yelled SOLD! I was thinking this would make a really nice
dandelion puller! We’ll now I wouldn’t dare!!! Thanks for the email and have a
great week. Jan
A: Hello John, I have been selling on ebaY for a few years now and expect a
new ebaYer to jump in once in a while. That's not a concern for me, we all start
someplace. Lets just see what happens and we’ll handle that when it becomes
an issue. Thanks for your interest! Jan
A: Hello: I will seriously consider this offer but I need a day or two to think
about it. Your offer is way more than I ever expected when I listed this knife
obviously and you are probably right about it being more than the auction will
bring. However, I just need to sleep on this and will let you know in a day or so.
This is all soconfusingtome. Thanks,Jan
A: Hey! It WILL end on ebaY! I’m in total disbelief... Thanks for your input!
Have a great week! Jan
A: Awesome!! Thank you so much. Jan
A: I thank you for your good wishes. This is truly a blessing for my family.
Have a great week! Jan
A: I'm almost sick thinking about the fees, the payment, transfer of goods/
shipping, insurance ect... I need all the advice I can get. This is so much more
than I bargained for. I was hoping to maybe make $50.00 on this auction. If you
look at what I buy and sell, it's clear this is a gift from above. Thanks for
watchingoutforme!Jan
A: Hi Jim, I hear your the knife man...While I was trying to figure out just what
this was, the word "scagle" on ebaY pulled up your knives. Once I sawthe sward
stamp on your knives, I figured it must be a TREEMAN. Well you know the rest!!
Have a great week, Jan
A: Thank you so much! I’m in total disbelief...I’m numb at this point. Jan
A: What else could it be!!! LOL
Q: Not only do you have
an original Scagel knife,
but you also have what
appears to be a Scagel
made sheath. Heiser of
Denver made most of the
sheaths during this era
for the smaller/medium
size knives, but Scagel
himself reportedly made
many of the sheaths for
the larger (>7") knives.
Good luck...you did
good! Oct-24-07
Q: Hey Jan, If I win this and another of your items will you combine shipping?
Just kidding; I think your story is terrific and I wish you the best of luck. Richard
Oct-24-07
Q: ONLY600 MORE!!! (Starting the chant).... white castle, white castle, white
castle white castle, white castle, white castle white castle, white castle, white
castle white castle, white castle, white castle white castle, white castle, white
castle Oct-24-07
Q: how many watchers do you have now, the world wants to know. LOL Oct-
24-07
Q: This is awonderful pieceof history and adelightful example of great cutlery.
Oct-24-07
Q:
www.AuctionHitList.com This knife is causing quite a stir as it rockets up
Ebays most watched collectibles list! Oct-24-07
Q: "DO NOT" do not end this early. i do not think you are half way yet. Oct-24-
07
Q: When the auction ends, I would VERY careful on the funds, Good Luck to
you Jan, It may go 20K. James Oct-25-07
Q: Too rich for me now,but watching with interest in the UK. May come over
for some of these barn sales..happy christmas,even if it has come early!! I guess
this auction will be featuring in the next Randall knife society magazine. Oct-
25-07
Q: Hell-o. I collect automatic knives but this Scagel is a SENSATION! Very
best to you ...and nice going!! dOod Oct-25-07
Q: Hi Bill & Jan, Thank you so much for your hospitality. I’m still shaking!
When I first saw the knife it was apparent to me that it’s a treasure, the holey
grail of knives. It’s the real deal with no modifications...the handle is exactly as
William Scagel made it. The knife is a 10 and I thank you for letting me handle
and photograph your treasure. 30K would be a steal! Thanks again, Bruce B.
A: This just keeps getting better and better!! Thanks for the great information
and have a great week! Jan
A: Youbet!Thankyou somuchRichard...Jan
A: OhShoot!I did promise WhiteCastle didn't I.....
A: As of 3:00 pm Chicago time 10/24 it has 185 watchers.
A: I had no clue. Saturday this was just a $5.00 Dandelion Popper... Thanks
for your email!
A: I'm Amazed! I have been selling stuff on ebay for about 5 years now and
have never had so much attention. It’s fun but scary at the same time.
A: I'm committed now. I’m going to let it run till the very end. Wouldn’t it be
neat if it were only half way!! This is probably a dream and I’ll wake up to find it
at $15.75... Thanks for your email!
A: Hi James, At this point I believe a bank transfer is my only option. This is so
CRAZY!!! Thank you for the good advice. Jan
A: Someone told me this was being talked about around the world! I can't
believe the chain of events that have occurred since the day this knife found it's
way to my home. Thank you so much for your support! Regards, Jan
A: Hi dOod, I'm starting to get that impression! What a roller coaster ride we
are on! Thank you for your good wishes and have a great week! Jan
A Scagel Knife on eBay . . .
(cont. from page 1)
Page9
November 2007
Oct-25-07
Q: Hi Jan, I hope I did not insult you with my last offer. This knife is apparently
worth a bit more than I estimated. I would very much like to be its new owner,
however, I am not much in to the bidding war.Again I would like to stress that I
am a serious collector and I do have the funds to purchase this knife (cash). I fear
that I may not get a chance at it unless I am given the opportunity to sit down
with you face-to-face.You should realize that even if you receive a high bid that
does not ensure a completed sale. Please consider me as a buyer. Thanks again,
Mike Oct-25-07
Q: Bill & Jan-Congrats on a GREAT find. It couldn't happen to nicer people.
Glad to see that the fruits of your good fortune will stay in Sycamore !! Bob &
Sue -Sycamore Coin GalleryOct-25-07
Q: Hi-sorry to be a pain, but it appears to be some markings on the back of the
leather scabbard. any chance you can post/email me a closer picture of what
those markings are? Or perhaps, what exactly are they? any help is appreciated.
JohnOct-25-07
Q: Hi Jan, I was just wondering if you would be willing to tell me how many
watchers you have at this point? If not, I understand...Mike P.S. Still very very
interested will be bidding at the end! Oct-26-07
Q: What a great find =) You might need to revisit the barn sale and see if they
have anymore knives for sale. Who knowes they may have another Scagel
tucked away somewhere =) Oct-26-07
Q: If I were you, I would make the necessary corrections in your add. List in the
correct catagory and watch the bids roll in.Ya never know! Oct-26-07
Q: Hi Jan, This is indeed a great find. I've been fortunate to have found some
great values like this myself, but as a collector and dealer I'm sometimes torn
between selling and keeping. I wish you all the best. I'd love to hear the story of
howyou came to own this knife. Sincerely,Wolfsknives Oct-26-07
Q: Hope you don't mind but I just wanted to wish you all the best with this
auction -it's become famous throughout the knife collecting world (I'm in the
UK) What a find!! S_O_S. Oct-27-07
A: Hi Bruce, You were shaking a bit when you were holding the knife. It must be
something special. Like I told you we were trying to stick it in the ground last
Saturday morning.... Just kidding!! Glad you paid a visit. Take care, Bill & Jan
A: Hi Mike, I take any offer seriously and consider you a serious buyer. I urge
you to come and examine this knife and am willing to discus with you face-to-
face any arrangement you wish to consider, however I am committed to letting
this auction run its duration and am well aware of the possibility of a dead beat
bidder in which case the knife will be shelved until a suitable alternative is
found. This whole thing is totally unbelievable to us and we’ll do what we can to
accommodate everyone. Thank you for your consideration and feel free to
contact me to set something up. Thanks again, Jan
A: Thank you so much Bob and Sue! We are finding this very hard to
digest...This only happens to the other guy. Never in our wildest dreams did we
expect to be in this situation. It's kind of scary and kinda fun. Thanks again and
have a great weekend. Jan & Bill
A: Hi John, Not a problem! The markings say 12C. I'll get some pictures posted
this afternoon. Thanks, Jan
A: Hello Mike, At this point Friday 4:00 pm I have 352 watchers. I think the
knife has cooled off as have the emails. Have a great weekend! Jan
A: Well maybe and next time I could hold an intelligent conversation about it.
Now I knowall about O’l Bill Scagel !!
A: At this point in the auction all I can do is add to the description. I can’t
change the category, add any more photographs or change the title. It is out
there and even the folks in the UK have found it. It’s already way over the top as
far as I’m concerned. Thanks, Jan
A: Hey Wolfsknives, I look at it this way... I have listed thousands of items on
ebaY and searched hundreds of garage sales, Estate sales and attended an
equal amount of auctions. You have to figure eventually you’re going to pick up
something that’ll make all that hard work worthwhile. Kind of like a lottery
ticket. If you play enough you will eventually.... maybe that’s not a good
analogy but you get my drift. I am humbled by all this attention not to mention
the money. Thanks for your good wishes and have a great weekend. Jana P.S. I
posted how i found this knife I think on Tuesday but I'll forward a copy to you.
A: Thank You so much S_O_S! I'm meeting so many wonderful people and
have had so many encouraging emails! Yours included... Have a great
weekend! Jan
A: Hey T, I haven't had any new requests for additional pictures but once I do
I’ll defiantly give that atry. I actually know how toget on ebaY andget my email.
Not real smart about navigating around but I will check that out. Have a great
evening and thank you so much. Jana
A: Oh my gosh!!! If Bill sees this it’s over...I can speak for him and have to
decline. It’s a very, very generous offer but we are committed to running this
auction to the very end. RIGHT BILL?... he said right. LOL, Jana
A: NO! He has a mini van....
A: It should be interesting! I'm kind of excited my self!! Thank you so much and
have a great Sunday!!!! Jan
A: Hi Mike, I need to trust that the right people have found this knife and will be
watching. It usually gets interesting at the very end and should reach its top
dollar. Who knows, if you were to place a bid of what you offered me at the last
minute you could walk away paying less. That’s the beauty of ebaY!! I am so
satisfied at this point. Thank you again for your email. If this does end with a
deadbeat bidder you’ll be the first person I contact. Good luck! Jan
A: It looks like knife people know what they like and aren’t afraid to pay for it.
Thanksfortheemail.Jana
A: Thank you so much for your kind email. People like you are what make
EbaY a great community... Have a good evening! Jan
A: I can't stand it... This calm is quite unnerving! I have 495 watchers. Thank
you so much for the encouragement. Jana
A: Hi Scott, Your so right, I'll never never look at a knife the same. What a
collectable!Thanks foryourgreatemailandgoodwishes.Jan
A: Thank you so much for your good wishes! Trumpets trumpets like musical
trumpets?AWESOME!!!Thanksforyouremail,Jan
Q: Hi Jan, congrats on your find
Regarding extra photos -can I suggest you
start a free account at
www.photobucket.com and upload as many photos as you
want to there. Then, copy the url to the photos and paste that into a comment
here on your auction. I hope this works! Good luck and best wishes
T Oct-27-
07
Q: Dear Jan I Have a New Harley Davidson Road King w all the extras chrome
everything. 2.812 miles clear title see pics enclosed I'd be willing to trade you
straight up if you would consider a trade Thanks Ben Oct-27-07
Q: LET BILL HAVE THE BIKE,LET BILL HAVE THE BIKE,LET BILL
HAVETHE BIKE!!!!! Oct-27-07
Q: Hi there Jan and Bill. I think it's great that you folks are going to do very well
on this wonderful knife, glad you hung in there and didn't take the "offers" that
came your way. I picked antiques for years, this sort of thing doesn't happen too
often. Congrats. Can't wait to watch the last 5 seconds. Oct-28-07
Q: Hey Jan, Since the bidding has stalled, you must be thinking about my offer
(still stands) realize you are still far from it. If the auction does not reach it, you
left money on the table. Give me a call before the end of the auction if you have
any second thoughts. Good luck, Mike Oct-28-07
Q: hi just to let ya know theres also a Rudy Ruana knife on here thats at 10,000
also. dabigmoose Oct-28-07
Q: Jan, it should be mentioned how you have handled this auction. You have
conducted it with class, honestyand fairness!The last few moments aregoing to
be fun to watch! Hope you and your husband take a nice trip this winter on your
Barn Find!! Best, C &N Denver, Co. Oct-28-07
Q: So, are you all getting nervous yet. I am and I'm not even the seller. I think it
is so cool that it happened to such normal down to earth people. So how many
watchers do we have now. I wish you the best of luck and pray for no NPB. Oct-
28-07
Q: Jan, I bet you won't look at a knife like you use to,Now you know what keeps
us knife collectors looking for that next knife.You never know what your gonna
find.Good Luck, Scott Oct-28-07
Q: Hey Jan....AWESOME FIND!!! Congrats to you! I just had to message you
and tell you that while I know NOTHING about knives...your knife auction is
causing some talk on TrumpetHerald forum board....which only
discusses...well trumpets! lol Good luck to you!!!! O
