Hello,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Solingen is a historic center of cutlery and blade manufacturing in Germany. Knives, swords, and edged tools marked Solingen are generally understood to be made (or at least finished) there.

“Rostfrei” is German for “rust-free,” typically indicating stainless steel. It doesn’t denote a brand — it’s essentially the German equivalent of “Stainless” stamped on blades.

Many Solingen blades sold in the late 19th and early–mid 20th centuries used Italianate names to appeal to export markets and "Di Medici” is not a specific factory or maker but rather a pattern.

The hilt looks like brass to me and - if it is gold, it should have a very small mark identifying it as such so I have appraised this as with a brass hilt. I don't see such a mark in these photos but if it's there, it will increase the value so please let me know and I'll amend the appraisal accordingly.

Other Solingen knives in this pattern, material and vintage have sold at auction for around $500 though it's worth noting that most retailers will be offering more for examples they have.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Solingen "Di Medici" iron and brass knife
first half 20th Century
with a chased and engraved silver scabbard
engraved to the ricasso
14 inches long
CONDITION: this is in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
Fair market value: $400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia