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  #1  
Old 11-12-2015, 03:04 PM
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samg samg is offline
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Smithsonian question

Does anyone have an idea when this Smithsonian may have been made?
Any ideas when the scalloped brass collar may have first been available? Between the Heiser sheath and the brass collar, maybe a narrow manufacture date can be made?
I know the development was in 1953. I would guess between 1953-63 or later if the sheath was left in the bin later, so perhaps the scalloped collar will help narrow it down.

Thanks for your help.










Thanks, Sam G

Last edited by samg; 11-12-2015 at 09:35 PM.
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  #2  
Old 11-12-2015, 10:32 PM
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Jacknola Jacknola is offline
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I think it is probably 1955-1958. The thick guard with the brazed ends was this period construction. The scalloped collar was covered extensively in the "Dating Randall Bowie" line. The scallops are wide spaced, more or less tear drop shaped which lasted until 1959-60. If this knife had a coolllee cap butt plate it would be a more definitive judgement, but I'm comfortable with the collar.

The sheath is a Heiser which was supplied in place of the original Moore experimental sheaths in 1955. These ceased to be stamped "Heiser" in 1959... though some may have been in stock for some time later.

I don't think the date can be sharpened much beyond that. The early coolee caps and scalloped collars were all individually made with significant differences so it would be hard to use that feature for a more precise date. The Heiser sheath is a good bracket for 1955-59.
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  #3  
Old 11-13-2015, 12:42 PM
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Thanks Jacknola for your input. I will be reviewing your Bowie thread. You did so much research on all this. Thank you.
I assume this Smithsonian doesn't have the companion coolie cap because of the leather handle.

Regards, Sam
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  #4  
Old 11-13-2015, 10:08 PM
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Jack, I just purchased this Smithsonian, so when I receive it, I will take some good pics and post.

Regards, Sam
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  #5  
Old 11-13-2015, 11:04 PM
jeepster jeepster is offline
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I think Jack is right on it. I was going to say the same thing but he beat me too it. He always does.
Ronnie
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  #6  
Old 11-18-2015, 04:57 PM
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Moosehead Moosehead is offline
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Hi folks!

Just for fun here are some "old" photos of my "vintage" Smithsonian which is actually my very first Randall.

I purchased it shortly after it was crafted on eBay way, way back in 2002.

It has brass hardware and black and brass spacers.















And lastly, can anyone identify the tiny knife in this photo?




Cheers!

David


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  #7  
Old 11-18-2015, 07:16 PM
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Thats a great looking Smithy David! Not bad for your first. You set your sights high.
Why did you select a Smithsonian for your first?

I would guess the little one to be a mini 12-6?

Great photos.

Regards, Sam
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  #8  
Old 11-18-2015, 07:22 PM
Ta2bill Ta2bill is offline
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Looks like a Stanaback Special....
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Old 11-18-2015, 07:54 PM
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I think you are correct Ta2bill. That Smithsonian is so massive, it makes that knife look like a mini.

Regards, Sam
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  #10  
Old 11-19-2015, 01:33 AM
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What do you think of this early Smithsonian? Check out the buttcap and spacers. Shop done handle? Early rehandle?










Last edited by samg; 11-19-2015 at 01:46 AM.
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  #11  
Old 11-19-2015, 07:51 AM
thevalueman thevalueman is offline
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First time at this, so I'm not sure what I'm doing.....
BUT as long as we are posting oldies...
:-)Rocky

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  #12  
Old 11-19-2015, 03:37 PM
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My Smithsonian arrived yesterday, and it is a wonderful example of an early Smithsonian.
It is a presentation 12-11 with chrome plating. With the name Bob Yett. The seller sent me a short video of him. He was a sailor in the Navy, joining in1954. Bob is recently deceased.
Here is the link for the video if you would like to check it out. Another nice piece of Randall history.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypKqWFiSbUk

It came with a typical patina on the brass hardware, and with the chromed blade, I couldn't help myself, so I cleaned up that brass. A very nice 1955-58 specimen. All that chrome and brass is a challenge to photograph. I just cleaned it up a bit and wanted to share. It's in a Heiser sheath.

Regards

Samg






Last edited by samg; 11-23-2015 at 03:56 PM.
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  #13  
Old 11-19-2015, 03:48 PM
jeepster jeepster is offline
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Very nice Sammy. I like it a lot!
Ronnie
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  #14  
Old 11-19-2015, 03:52 PM
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Thanks Ronnie. It has a few scratches here and there, but hey, its a 60 year old knife. It has found a good home.

Thanks, Samg
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  #15  
Old 11-20-2015, 03:20 PM
Ta2bill Ta2bill is offline
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Fantastic find! The provenance video is second to none!
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1958, arrow, back, bee, blade, bowie, brass, first time, guard, handle, hardware, home, identify, knife, leather, made, post, randall, sheath, sheaths, shop, spacers, tiny, video, vintage


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