December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Classic California belt knife by Will and Finck of San Francisco, circa 1870. These are one of the iconic weapons associated with the California Gold Rush and expansion of the West. Blade measures 4" by 3/4" and shows evidence of prior cleaning and polishing to remove some light pitting. Oval German silver cross guard. Ricasso stamped: "WILL & FINCK / S.F. CAL". Adorned with 115 small silver studs on a marine ivory handle with brass and iron pommel pin. Original scabbard fits knife extremely well and has very faint period correct side braze lines. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection. CONDITION: Blade is overall fine with prior evidence of light cleaning and edge sharpening. Ivory handle shows mellow cream-colored patina with only a few slight age fissures. All parts tight to handle.