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I've seen a couple (better shape) sell at auction. don't recall what they fetched.
If your looking to sell it ,post it in the buy and sell section and see what happens or try listing it on sharperD's auction.
these were made in mexico i think in the fifties and beyond mostly for the tourist trade. it is most likely cow horn and they are worth about 8 bucks and i do want to buy it lol just kidding they run anywhere from 50 bucks for a beater up to about two fifty for a mint one [which although its a shame yours is not mint] i like the one i have it works good and its kinda cool but thats just me. i would list it on sd auction or the buy and sell thred here or both. it all depends on what somebody is looking for and how bad theu want it. heres mine
I am the KING of LATAMA collectors HAHAHAHAHAHAHA {EVIL LAUGH}
You've really got an interesting piece there, I think I'd just keep it in the collection. I doubt it would be worth more than about $45 or so. Nice collection filler, though.
Hey guys, thanks for all the comments. Compared to yours' redeye , mine looks like it was dug up on an archaeological expedition. I think I'll keep it in the collection for now.
For a serious answer I have had several old Mexican non-auto knives and they had very low grade carbon steel blades.
I mean the Mexican makers in the 60's/70's most likely used whatever steel they could find. These weren't factory made knives,these were artisans in a garage somewhere melting screen doors down for the aluminum bolsters and scrapping steel for blades.
You are not going to see ATS-34 or 01 Tool Steel stamped on an old Mexican knife.
Fishtail I too love the look of the Mexican in the pictures above,however I could never spend 250 on one,but that's just me.
I asked Ron (Straydog) to make me one. He used a 9" Molletta with a dagger blade.
I LOVE it! I'd dearly love to have one of those in 1095 CroVan (Kabar steel) with a flat grind like the originals. They had a crude, yet rustic appeal. I'm certain that you can understand the attraction. Look at what you had manufactured! The "square" look with a High Carbon Chromium-Vanadium steel blade would be the "Cat's @$$".