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?