December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
R.W. Loveless was an American knife maker who designed and popularized the hollow ground drop point blade and the use of full tapered tangs. His distinct pattern drop point hunting knives are world renowned and have been the inspiration for many of the custom knife makers today. His early knives such as this one are some of the hardest to acquire as most are treasured in private collections or are still being used today. R.W. Loveless Knife Maker Lawndale, California Straight Utility Hunter #481. The ATS-34 Steel Blade measures 5". Overall length is 9-7/8". Full tapered tang construction, brass single guard, beautiful red Micarta handles with stainless pins, lanyard hole. Blade is marked "R.W. LOVELESS MAKER LAWNDALE CALIFORNIA" with serial number at ricasso lightly etched. Housed in a "R.W. LOVELESS MAKER" signed well fitting scabbard that appears to be original to the knife. CONDITION: Very fine and exceptional. Markings are crisp and well defined. Red micarta panels are very fine. Stainless pin and brass liners are very fine. Scabbard is excellent with leather being supple and stitching being very solid and intact. Bob Loveless passed away in September of 2010. This is one of the finest Lawndale examples we have seen to date. TDW