Crazy prices on Klein linesman pliers

[mikeswrenches]

Has anybody else been watching the crazy prices on Klein linesman's pliers on Fleecebay?  Looks like some of these guys figure it's better than buying lottery tickets.  At least if you don't win you'll have something tangible, rather than worthless paper.  I watched one pair go for $152.00.  The link below is for a pair that is already over $200.00 with some days to go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200904938949?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Mike

[lbgradwell]

Hmm. I wonder if it has anything to do with Klein's "Oldest Pliers Offer"?

http://www.kleintradesmanclub.com/oldestpliers

[rusty]

Good luck with that...they made millions of those things LOL

[lbgradwell]

It's very odd in that 5 people are fighting over those things at what can only be described as "stupid" prices!

I honestly would not have given $5 for those at a garage sale (if I hadn't known a "Bigger Idiot" was standing by)...

[Plyerman]

Well I might have paid more than $5, but I sure wouldn't be spending anywhere near $200!

[mikeswrenches]

Back in the days before ebay became Greedbay, I sold several pairs of Klein pliers.  All for more than $5.00 but certainly nowhere near what these are bringing.

I think Mathias Klein started in business in the late 1850's and apparently made linesman pliers beginning somewhere between 1857-1860.  Since nobody was keeping track, it's a little difficult to be definitive on the exact date.

The real question is:  When did they begin to forge the date codes on the inside of the handles?  Knowing this fact would sure make it easier to spend a large amount of money on a pair of old pliers.

Mike

[lbgradwell]

The real question is:  When did they begin to forge the date codes on the inside of the handles?

Don't know, but the date code info at the contest in the link above says:

Earlier turn of the century pliers may simply use a date code of a month and a year. Example: 1-12 = January, 1912

...so I suppose it was shortly after 1900...

[HeelSpur]

At least that kinda gives us a reference to search for the ones before 1-28.
That seller probably has a pair marked 1-00 that was already sent in.