May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Circa 1870's clip point Bowie knife by renowned California cutler Will & Finck. Knife has a heavy, fully tanged blade with a 2 - 1/2" false edge. Ricasso is properly stamped "WILL & FINCK / S.F. CAL." Buckhorn slab handles are held in place with 3 small brass pins. Same model knife is pictured on pg. 79 of Bernard Levine's "Knifemakers of Old San Francisco" (1977) as No. 14003 in the 1896 Finck catalog. This exact knife is pictured in 'California's Best: Old West Art And Antiques', pg. 120, by Brad and Brian Witherell, 1999. Period scabbard is made of thin skirting leather with slotted cuts for a 1 - 1/2" belt. Flaking finish but stitching is tight. CONDITION: Very good overall with blade exhibiting overall light polishing and fine scratches. Cutting edge has been very lightly sharpened but not overdone. No edge nicks, and blunted tip.