You will find that as the price goes up you have a pyrimide effect in that the number of buyers becomes smaller and the desire for condition becomes greater. IF a collector is willing to spend over $10,000, he will hold out for a dagger in excellent plus and up in condition. Why spend that amount of money for a problem when you can waite and find a nice one for only a few thousand more.
It just a fact of life that those with the funds are desirous of having the best.
So, if I were you and someone offered $12,000. I would have sold it in a New York minute.
You may get your price, but the time and effort spend in finding "the right guy" will be offset by the effort and loss of availability of funds.
JMO,
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria
PS: I have seen the dagger on eBay and know the condition.

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