Inspired by Tom's quest

[Tony T-S]

I find myself agreeing with Tom about collecting. It's just too expensive to get the real stuff and too easy to get hold of fakes. So, I have been given the green light to buy a 57er RK for my Christmas and birthday (its in Feb so I can bundle them all together). I know its the only way I'll get a real RK, and though not a TR one it will still be a real one.

I don't know very much at all about the different frames so I'm not looking for anything as specific as Tom is. I have a box such as it is, to display it in so just need a complete example with a ribbon. I am limited in budget, between 200-300 US so am happy with later S&L frames and so forth. I do want the frames to line up and for there to be no gaps in the soldering. Seams are fine. I am happy with plenty of patina and a little paint loss on the core etc, but don't want any bent corners etc. I think you'd describe it as a good honest RK in good condition.

The fact is I have no idea if its even possible to buy one that cheaply, but one can only try.

Once I've completed the collection I'll sit back and learn here [love this place]. If something nice presents itself in the future I won't say no, but I won't be in the hunt, just looking and learning.

So all help would be greatly appreciated (PMs etc). I'm just grateful my wife thought it was a nice idea. I should add, please hunt for Tom's RK first

[Nigel N]

Hi Tony!
For that amount of money you should be possible to find a nice example!
But dealers sites will be pretty much a non starter I think, so that leaves here on WAF, or the minefield that is Ebay!
If you could find a nice 2nd pattern with "C" frame, it doesn't have to be a magnetic cored type, there were some nice RK's made in the 70's!!
We will keep our eyes open for both you and Tom, and hopefully one will turn up, that's nice but affordable!!
-Nigel

[Tony T-S]

Hi Nigel thats what I was thinking. I buy fakes (well only a couple actually) on ebay so I'd much rather buy something from within the community. Anyway, all help appreciated.

[Matthieu]

Hi Tony, I shall also keep my eye out for you. Fear nothing in my collection that I can let go right now though ... sorry.

[Tom B]

I find myself agreeing with Tom about collecting. It's just too expensive to get the real stuff and too easy to get hold of fakes. So, I have been given the green light to buy a 57er RK for my Christmas and birthday (its in Feb so I can bundle them all together). I know its the only way I'll get a real RK, and though not a TR one it will still be a real one.

I don't know very much at all about the different frames so I'm not looking for anything as specific as Tom is. I have a box such as it is, to display it in so just need a complete example with a ribbon. I am limited in budget, between 200-300 US so am happy with later S&L frames and so forth. I do want the frames to line up and for there to be no gaps in the soldering. Seams are fine. I am happy with plenty of patina and a little paint loss on the core etc, but don't want any bent corners etc. I think you'd describe it as a good honest RK in good condition.

The fact is I have no idea if its even possible to buy one that cheaply, but one can only try.

Once I've completed the collection I'll sit back and learn here [love this place]. If something nice presents itself in the future I won't say no, but I won't be in the hunt, just looking and learning.

So all help would be greatly appreciated (PMs etc). I'm just grateful my wife thought it was a nice idea. I should add, please hunt for Tom's RK first

I thought I was the only one hunting for one ! Tom

[Tony T-S]

Matthieu, I still wish I could have grabbed that Souval you have available, it was just the wrong time. I've very grateful for all the experienced eyes that can help now that its the right time.

[Tom B]

I've hit all the dealer sites I can think of...Found 1 that was WAY to high priced. The hunt go's on. Tom

[Tony T-S]

I've gone through the english speaking ebays and $300 US plus postage for a second hand S&L that I think is an S&L is the closest. Gee there's a lot of crap out there.

[Tom B]

I agree...I guess patience is all there is left ! Tom

[Tony T-S]

Ah yes having to have patience sucks, but does allow one to jump too soon and get sucked in. The search continues.

[Tom B]

Well a return phone call from California ......And I now have one ! Had to pay a little extra as it has great provenance. 800 marked, magnetic, ribbon & case. A letter from the recipient that he purchased it from S&L in 1970 and a great photo of him wearing the cross. I actually met this RKT at an OdR reunion in the late 70's. I'M HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tom

[Nigel N]

Hi Tom!!
That's really great news, I think we can all appreciate your joy at finding this piece!!!
Not only is it the variant you wanted, but a full set, with provenance, and to top it all, it belonged to a vet you actually met!!
I cant think of anything better!!!
Congratualtions!!!!!!!
-Nigel!!!!

[Tom B]

Hi Tom!!
That's really great news, I think we can all appreciate your joy at finding this piece!!!
Not only is it the variant you wanted, but a full set, with provenance, and to top it all, it belonged to a vet you actually met!!
I cant think of anything better!!!
Congratualtions!!!!!!!
-Nigel!!!!

Thanks Nigel, It's being delivered to me because my friend in Ca. is coming east for a buying trip. He is also a WF member and is going to post photos of the group and my other group with provenance and my 800 marked RK KvK w/swords. Should be the first of next week. Tom

[Nigel N]

Excellent Tom!!!
Look forward to seeing them!!!!!!!!!
-Nigel

[xmember]

Great news Tom. Also looking forward to your RK kvk pictures as they are my favorite. Wish I can afford wartime issues.

Regards,
Rudy