Dating a Randall Bowie

[Jacknola]

Originally Posted by dax0007

Very interesting stone info.. I will eventually take these blades to Randall orlando store to get verification.. from everyones input and reading up on Randall books it clear these are early 50s.. Just the odd guards must have some sort of history

thanks

During this period, lugs were not integral to the guard. After the guard was formed, the lugs were brazed onto the ends. I think it possible that step, brazing the lugs, was simply omitted in the case of these knives, and in other respects the guards are normal for the period.

It is a thought anyway. Regards

[dax0007]

Jack,

I found this pic in the Robert E Hunts book on Randall knives..

very interesting.. This set matches my IVORY RANDALL set except this set has LUGS and the model 12 has a brassback.. So clearly mine most likely is earilier..


ALSO NOTICE the Randall STAMP on the Confederate.. it too AS MINE has a LIGHT Randall stamp, but the TOOTHpick has a normal deep stamp...

Why would this be?? Of coarse we will never know, but what a interesting comparison..

I quote from his book Randall Knives : Rare, Unique, & Experimental by robert E Hunt (GREAT BOOK)
"
In Gary's memory, these knives(PER THE PIC) represent the first two Bowies made. Hary's initials are etched into the escutcheon plates on the handles. The smithsonian has abrassback and the toothpick represents the other type blade.
The blades are chromed and there fore bright and the lugged hilts are braised.
"
So Mr.Hunt is saying these could be the first bowie i would think of a IRON Mistress not bowie of coarse(I did leave some of the verbage out..

Interesting comparison

[Ta2bill]

I own the Ivory handled mid 60's Smithsonian the was on page 77 in Sheldon Wickersham's book, which was previously owned by Grady McCotter. I also own a dealer special small Sasquatch that he owned previously as well.

[dax0007]

Love to see pictures of your ivory handle bowie..

thanks

[Moosehead]

Hi ta2bill!



Please look at the sticky thread at the top of the Randall Knives Forum entitled Important information! for instructions on how to post photos.

I look forward to seeing your knife.

Cheers!

David

[Moosehead]

Ta2bill

New members have to wait a few days. It's an anti-spam protection.

After a certain time period you will be permitted to to post photos. Please try once a day until you're allowed.

Cheers!

David

[Jacknola]

For some reason I didn't get them or they went into a spam bucket or something. Send them again to Jacknola@cox.net

[samg]

Ta2bill, if you would like to send pic to me also, I will Resize and post it.

sagranade@gmail.com

Regards, Sam

[samg]

Here you go Ta2bill

Regards, Sam

[Ta2bill]

Thanks Sam.

[samg]

You are welcome. That a great looking Smithsonian.

[Ta2bill]

In case you didn't see the earlier discussion, it is the one pictured in Sheldon's reference book. Originally from the late Grady McCotter's collection.

[Jacknola]

Early in this line I discussed a Bowie from the McCotter collection that was pictured in Seldon?s book. It was tagged as being mid-?60s but I was concerned that it possibly could have a round nut on the coolie cap thus might be at odds with the age identification of the introduction of the round nut.

Well, the resources of the community are vast. ?Tattoo Bill? sent me a picture of the cap of that knife which is now in his collection, and it does indeed have a hex nut. Furthermore, the distinctive tear drop shaped flutes on the coolie cap seem to fit an earlier date than mid-'60s, probably earlier than the 12-9 that started this discussion.

The progression of the fluted collar and the coolie caps now seems relatively clear and are pretty much illustrated in this line.

[Ta2bill]

Thank you Jack for the inclusion of my picture and the ensuing discussion! Needless to say, you can see the "handmade" not so round shape of the coolie cap as well.

Tattoo Bill

[samg]

I have found a Bowie knife that has an interesting butt cap that is no later than 1955, based on the Moore sheath. Not sure if its been discussed before or not.
It appears that the buttcap is either peened or an inverted nut. Hard to tell. Have you seen this one?

Link to it

http://svalbardrepublic.org/ebay/ran...e0512-bak1.htm








Regards, Samg