Question to the experts/

[ApathyL]

Hi fokes,

I really would like some advice, although i know I dont have any photos, but in the nearby coinshop i have seen a cased 1957 RK for around 900$ (Australian $) and what I noticed was that it had one 800 mark under the loop, one in the frame, at 12` o`clock position, and that the core was brass. In the extremly small description what I gave do you think its worth buying ? Thank you very much for all help.

Kind regards

Les.

[DavidM]

Hello

Without seeing a photo of it I really couldn't say. However, the only 'brass' cored 57 RKs I have ever seen, (and incidentally they are not brass, but some alloy which is of a brass like colour), have been second pattern cored versions, that is the ones with the raised, rounded leafs as opposed to the 'flat' ones on the early, first pattern. As I say, photos are needed, but if I, for purposes of your question, assume that the RK is a good one, with the real silver frames, (any flaws on the beading of the frame ?), and a second pattern core then $900 Australian, (about £400 GBP), sounds a bit steep to me - and I say that as someone who will pay decent money for good examples of the 57 RKs. Of course, the price will also depend on the local market, as in how common are these in Australia, and what do other dealers and private sellers put these up at within Australia.

Regards
David

[Peter Wiking]

Les
I think David is correct. Early crosses both first and second pattern cores was made of iron based metals. The brass core was introduced on more modern versions. I strongly think you should pass on this one.

Peter

[ApathyL]

Hi,

Thank you for the help! Well I know without photo its not much, but it was 100% brass, because the "leaves" were chiped and it was showing through. The other thing is when I mentioned it was brass, the dealer became a bit odd and was going into what was written down about it....strange,,... Do you think its too expensive or too cheap for that price ?

[DavidM]

Hello

I personally think it's to expensive. Only my opinion, and of course we haven't seen the RK or photos of it, but I also think that you would better saving your money and getting one of the earlier ones - or even one of the second core patterned RKs, but still with the 'original' frame.

Regards
David