Re: Dog tag. www.DogLicense.org
It must be exciting to dig something 100 years or older. I noticed the Buffalo tags earlier and one of them was a little hard to read it's serial number. Tags from New York CAN be worth over $200 apiece. Value is so hard to place on tags in general. Dug tags are slightly less valuable than one that is in mint condition, attachment h ole intact and no bends nicks or heavy corrosion.
With that being said, NEVER try to straighten a bent tag or polish it. Leave that to the collector. Also leave on any brads that attach to the hole (s) and leave on any leather pieces if still on the collar and brad.
I have always paid top dollar to metal detecting enthusiasts for pre 1900 tags that "I need".Value also depends on who collects tags from a particular state. Many states have no serious dog tag collectors, so that leaves local collectors and people like myself who collect tags from all U.S. states, Canada etc..........
*Some tags will be so generic that they may only say DOG TAX #457 (serial number) These GENERIC OR MAVERICK tags will bring $25-$50 depending on uniqueness and condition. THis means that if it has fancy scroll work, a dogs head vignette on it or other ornate work.
Tags that have no state mentioned on them will be less valuable on average.
BUT, there are exceptions too. If a dog tag only had the name of Cumberland on it, it could be from some 10+ u.s. cities, on the other hand a Commiskey tag will be from the state of Indiana........Even if a pre 1900 Cumberland tag was dug in Ohio for example, this is not 100% proof that it was issued in that state. For this reason, it is considered a maverick.
1. Condition
2. Location of tag (New York has many collectors.......Competitive buyers will escalate
prices of NY tags.
3. Ornate features on it like fancy dog etched design
4. RARITY is extremely important (there is an 1882 common but ornate Indiana tag with the state seal on it. Over 329 are known to exist. It is worth about $10 now)
5. Is collar still present with the pre 1900 tag? Name tag with owners name and dogs name?
This is even more valuable and raises the bar on it's value and if it had a miniature lock on it,
then that is about as complete as you can get.
I have given appraisals to those with pre 1900 dog tags. A clear image or xerox is needed of both sides of tag ( makers marks sometime are stamped on the reverse side)
I live near Pittsburgh and I have been compiling color photodocumentation of Pre-1900 tags for years. Please visit my website @
http://www.doglicense.org
or call me (412) 635-9439
I buy tags 1921 and earier dog tax, license and Numeral tags! Diane
. I was hunting an area near my house where two homes were torn down a few months ago. I have found a dog tag in the shape of a bell. On the tag reads " Jefferson Dog Tax 887 1888 ". That right "Dog Tax".My questions are
If any one knows any information on the dog tag
