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 renown 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 hunter knife #S-035. The ATS-34 Steel Blade measures 4 - 3/4". Overall length is 9 - 3/8". Full tapered tang construction, Nickel silver guard, beautiful Desert Ironwood handles with brass/stainless pins, lanyard hole. Blade is marked "R.W. LOVELESS MAKER LAWNDALE CALIFORNIA" with serial number at ricasso deeply etched. Housed in a unsigned but numbers matching well fitting scabbard that appears to be period. This unique example has brass inset at top and bottom of handle that is cross checkered for grasping, which appears original and authentic. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Markings are crisp and well defined. Desert Ironwood grip panels are very fine and highly figured. 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. TDW