December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
William Wales Scagel was born February 12, 1873 near Alpena, Michigan, spending much of his youth in Canada. Scagel began making knives in 1910 while working at lumber camps throughout Michigan and Canada. In 1920 William Scagel set up a knife-making shop near Fruitport, Michigan on land he called "Dogwood Nub". Scagel sold his knives through Abercrombie & Fitch of New York and their subsidiaries such as Von Lengerke & Antoine. Scagel made a variety of knives including Bowie Knives, fighting knives, and folding knives. His trademark handles were constructed using half stag and half leather washers incorporating spacers made of ivory, rosewood, bakelite, maple, and vulcanized fiber. Scagel became a mentor to Bo Randall during the late 1930's influencing many of Randall knife designs. Scagel died on March 26, 1963 at 90 years old. Presented in this lot is William Scagel's personal 1923 vintage Colt Police Positive double action revolver, serial number 20278. Chambered in .22 RF. The barrel is cut down from the original length of 6" to approximately 3-5/8". A well-constructed barrel band which incorporates a pinned front sight is probably the work of William Scagel. Blued with two-piece checkered hard rubber black grips with Colt logo. Accompanying the revolver is a handmade leather holster reported to be made by William Scagel, along with his NRA Membership Card. Revolver, holster, and NRA card are pictured on page 185 of James R. Lucie's book "Scagel Handmade", and comes from the personal collection of Dr. James R. Lucie. CONDITION: Very good overall. Showing approximately 15-20% original blue blending with a blue-grey patina. Grips show moderate to heavy wear with a 3/4" x 1/4" section of material missing on the right side at the heel. Bore has moderate abrasion. Action functions smoothly. A rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Scagel history. PROVENANCE: From the personal collection of Dr. James R. Lucie. -MKS-
Item Dimensions: 10"
Accessories
Handmade leather holster