May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
William Wales Scagel is considered to be the foremost pioneer in 20th century custom knifemaking. Throughout his knifemaking career, Scagel crafted hunting knives, machetes, axes, bowie knives, fighting knives, and pocket knives, some of which were used for the expeditions of the Smithsonian Institution. This specimen is a superbly marked example of Bill Scagel's craftmanship. The knife features a 8" spearpoint blade that is marked on the obverse with a partial "VL&A / CHICAGO" stamp and his famous kris mark. The reverse blade is marked "W. Scagel". The blade exhibits a pleasing gray patina with scattered blemishes throughout. Diamond shaped crossguard with "X" marking on either side. Crossguard is slightly loose. Mexican style handle with brass ferrule and pommel that flank the grip which consists of buffalo horn and bovine horn separated by a thick red spacer. The horn neatly fits into the points of the ferrule and pommel, which is impressive considering the fragility of horn. The handle exhibits a pleasing patina with some slight blemishes to the horn. 12 - 3/4" overall. The knife is complete with its original leather scabbard that exhibits scattered blemishes with an intact belt loop. 1 tear at lower left pin. This is an excellent example of a Scagel knife. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: 13 - 1/2"