UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SS Dagger Forum I'm about to cry in my beer

A vet showed me a beautiful untouched Near mint textbook Model 1936 chained SS dagger today-all Nickel fittings perfect blade, among other items that he bought back from WWII including a 2nd luft but would not sell them to me. He said he had to ask his Son if he wanted them before He would sell them to me. I don't think my chances are very good.
He said money wasn't a factor. What would you have done????

Umm... I don't know... beat him with a large stick?

grab and run?

Believe me I considered both options but he has my telephone number and card and he knows where to find me on Wednesdays. . I had it in my hands and it made me sick letting go of it.

The guy was in his mid 80's I could have easily out ran him . All joking aside, I wonder how many forum members would have tried that??

For whatever it's worth I'd suggest you stay in touch with him and not be pushy. Chances are his son will have no interest in the dagger as if this were always the case we'd never get to buy anything!
I have a couple of elderly contacts that I'm hoping will eventually sell me items they have.
If they don't I've still enjoyed their company and stories over the years.
Jim

You have to do the best you can at reading the situation. I have left with and without leaving an offer depending on the situation. Sometimes I have given a tantalizing offer so they had something to think about. They often say it isn't about the money but when the green backs are staring them in the eyes, they often blink. You may want to give it some time and reaproach him later to check on the statua and possible an offer. I look forward to see what others will say on the subject.

Good Luck!

i know several vets that have nice items all of them wont sell, they are also giving it to family members who dont collect. you will probably never get the stuff unless they are hard up for cash. i give them my card and say please call me because i am truely interested in area vet bring backs. i use them for school shows for childrens learning about ww2 artifacts..this is the best you can do...tom

What is sad, is the grandson who gets it will run to the nearest gun show once he's gone and sell it for a couple of hundred bucks!
Maybe he could ask the family member if the recipient would rather have the dagger or a few thousand bucks?

What do you have to lose? I would call him, go back to his house with cash in hand, make the best $$$ offer I could, and say take it or leave it. It's sort of like being in an auction - you make your bid, and if you lose, well you gave it your best shot.

NEVER, I mean NEVER, leave without making a starting offer. I can't tell you how many times I get the story: I am giving these to my children!! Then I start by laying down 10 US $100.00 bills and you won't believe how many times they say: I didn't realize you would give more than $25.00 for the knives, THEY ARE YOURS!!
So, my point is, sentiment and value often seek their own level.
Also, many times the relatives (number more than the number of items) have ALL expressed the desire to have the items and the owner doesn't know how to split it up, so he is more likely to sell them and give the money equally to the children involved. OR the wife says: Don't give those pointy knives to the kids. Sell him the knives and give the kids the pins and patches.
You NEVER know until you try.
JMO and Experience,
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria

I 'lost' out on a fair sized haul a couple years ago. Grandpa had died and the box he brought back from the war had sat in this person's attic for 6-8 years and the person just wanted to get rid of it. There was a uniform or two, a lot of badges, some field gear, optics and some headgear. It was all but mine BUT the brother had first chance to see if he wanted it. Keep in mind the brother hadn't wanted it for 6-8 years but as soon as it was going to go out the door suddenly he needed to keep it.

It isn't 'lost' until you've had it, and there will be other opportunities on down the road. Keep the conversation w/the vet and family open and maybe someday it'll be yours

Gentlemen, Thank you for all your input! I might see the vet tommorow so who knows it seems like I have, maybe, a 50/50 shot. I did make him an offer but the money did not seem to make a difference. As Ron said I will lay the money out on the table for him to see which, I did not do last time. A week later it is not bothering me as much