June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
W.D. Randall founder, designer and knife-smith of "RANDALL MADE KNIVES" created some of the most world renown knives ever produced. This rare example is the Model 16 Divers Knife. 7" stainless steel blade with an overall length of 12". One piece finger groove green Tenite handle attached with two stainless steel screws with matching escutcheons. Tenite is a cellulosic thermoplastic developed by Eastman Chemical Company. Housed in a rough back Randall made knives scabbard marked "16" and "7" indicating model and blade length and still having the very early brown Randall snap. These early Divers scabbards are heavily waxed for preservation while being used in salt water conditions. Tenite was used as a handle material for a very short period of time during the mid-1960's. It is mostly found on the Model 14 Attach, Model 15 Airman and the Astro. The Model 16 is very rarely found with Tenite and this example even has a nickel silver single guard. CONDITION: Very good with traces of period corrosion at rear of handle on blade extension. The blade is wonderful condition and does not show any sharpening. The marking on the left side of the blade"RANDALL MADE ORLANDO FLA." is crisp and well defined. The scabbard has faded with age and the wax treatment from the maker has bled and puddled on the rare surface of the scabbard. The leather is still supple and the snap and all tie downs are still intact. This is the only second time that we are aware of a Model 16 Diver with Tenite handle being offered for sale in recent history. TDW