Thread: Question about Tam O shanter

how much would a 7.5x1.5x.5 TOS sell for? in case and labels intact and stuff, just the vintage look.

Coully was selling them some time ago and for a limited time in a size larger than that for $85 IIRC. I have not seen any sell for higher than that but I don't keep my finger completely on the pulse of Tam sales on Ebay, etc.

Chris L

If your question is aimed at getting a good estimate for an honest price in the classifieds section, I couldn't possibly say.
If you like to know how much you need to get one: not that much. I've seen them go for < €15 at eBay.
If you inquire for insurance purposes: recently this one (eBay #220353662274) went for US $136.50.

Bottom line: it varies a lot. I bought mine at a price somewhere in between, but a lot nearer the low end of the scale. I think this goes for most of us.

As always, a lot depends on how it is offered; with a good description in the right place and a mention on our forum, or eg. in a another language in an odd category with spelling errors in the title. Note that the linked one was classed under 'Strops, Sharpeners' as well as under 'Antique Boxes'. Some Mauchline ware collectors might even pay more for them than hone lovers.

I suppose those looking for a hone would pricewise want a mint hone in a tattered box classified as Mauchline ware, and Mauchlin ware collectors would have best luck finding a broken hone in an excellent box offered in the sharpeners section.

funny enough mine looks just like that one in that ebay post. I paid around 50 dllrs for it still thinking if I want to sell it though.

US $ 50 is not a bad price.

Ask yourself: do I enjoy using this hone? Do I like the way it looks, feels, performs? Would I be happier with something else I could buy for $50? Or $136,50? Do I need the money?

Another highly subjective answer:

This is a hone I bought a couple of months ago. No labels, broken plain box (not Mauchline ware), chipped corner, cupped, lots of scratches, and dirty. The seller asked €20 and at first I put it back on the shelf. Just before leaving, I took another look, played with it in my hands for a bit and hesitatingly bought it.

Now it looks like this, and although I probably won't be using it a lot, I wouldn't sell it for $80, thrice the amount I paid:

How beautiful!!!
Can't wait to get mine!

How did you make the last picture?
Microscope or an extremely good camera?

Just took a look at mine under the 30x stereoscope and I would bet money that what you have there is a Dalmore Blue. Whatever it may be it is a very attractive stone.

Sorry Memorael!

Originally Posted by 0livia

How did you make the last picture?
Microscope or an extremely good camera?

Neither: with my very simple Casio Exilim EX-Z55. I used to use a Canon T60 with some very nice lenses, buy they got stolen. And digital picturing are easier and cheaper anyhow, so now I only use my pocket digicam.
The last picture is a real size cut-out from the one above it.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Just took a look at mine under the 30x stereoscope and I would bet money that what you have there is a Dalmore Blue. Whatever it may be it is a very attractive stone.

Highly though I usually esteem what you usually write about hones, this time I think you may be mistaken - but I'm curious to know why you believe it's a DB.

It is my understanding that the Dalmore Blue is more sandstone-like. It doesn't display the typical small dark/light spotting of Tam O'Shanters (although long ago TOS and Water of Ayr were used indiscriminately for TOS and WoA).

Here are some other pics of this speckling:

TOS in a stamped Mauchline ware box:

Close-ups of the same:




A TOS as posted by Joe777 about a year ago:


A TOS/WoA combination hone:


With this label:

Originally Posted by Oldengaerde

Highly though I usually esteem what you usually write about hones, this time I think you may be mistaken - but I'm curious to know why you believe it's a DB.

It is my understanding that the Dalmore Blue is more sandstone-like. It doesn't display the typical small dark/light spotting of Tam O'Shanters (although long ago TOS and Water of Ayr were used indiscriminately for TOS and WoA).

Unfortunately I can't take a close up photo of my Dalmore Blue. Your hone has the swirl figure going through it as well as the speckles typical of a Tam. I have 3 Tams and of course all three have the speckles but none have the swirling figure typical of a Dalmore Blue. I looked at the Dalmore, as I said, under 30x with light and it has speckles. That is why I say I would bet money. Now I'm not so sure.

Edit; If I hadn't looked at it under light and magnification I would not see the speckles.