Howdy Kevin - a bit OT but.......
amongst historians and collectors of the originals that particular style of knuckleguard is properly called a "shell" guard - note the shape of #2 and #4 in your pic of originals and the three original sword/gun combos below and you'll see why...
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Hi Chuck
I certainly agree, if a guard looks like a "shell" then a shell guard is a logical name, however I believe the books generically refer to the hunting sword drop down style tab guards as "knuckle guards" because many times they were not shell shaped. But oblong or rectangular to accept the engraving of a family crest or even shaped like animals or animal heads.
Or as Bailey stated, sometimes designed to cover a knife & folk set on the more elaborate models (third example).
Anyway, back to the subject.
I believe one of the most difficult task for a maker/organizer of a small format show is to insure the show is entertaining and interesting enough to hold the collector's interest for the duration of the show. No small task for a 2-3 day show. They pretty much have to be multi-day, otherwise how many collectors are going to travel from all over the country or international for a 12 hour show.
This was not as much an issue with Josh's show as he already has a two day hammer-in to tie his one afternoon/evening show into. I plan to attend Josh's next year.
The Wickenburg show (promoted by a collector, I believe) takes place at a very nice Arizona resort with many resort activities to help carry the show.
Jerry's multi-year success can partially be attributed to his successfully filling the event with activities that are entertaining, interesting, educational and of course the knives don't hurt either.
The below is a typical Fisk Micro Show schedule of events:
Friday -
Trip to the ABS School in Old Washington AR to observe a class in progress.
Visit the James Black shop and tour the shop and attend very good presentation on James Black and the bowies associated with him.
Eat a fantastic lunch of local down home delicacies of catfish, fried okra, hamsteak, corn bread, apple cobbler (you get the picture) at the old historic Tavern in Old Washington.
Visit a local maker's shop.
Shoot the Bull for an hour or so.
Go back to Jerry's to view all the knives that will be offered the next day, enjoy desert foods and visit.
Saturday -
Light Breakfast foods, Fisk shop tour, seminars, forging/damascus/construction demonstrations, authentic Mexican lunch, makers present their knives, drawing for all knives, ABS certification testing if applicable, collectors buy/sell/trade knives, outstanding prime rib dinner, entertainment, then we convene to Jerry's porch to discuss anything and everything. We should have ALL the current economic problems figured out by next Sunday morning.

Sunday Morning -
More maker's demonstrations of various processes, collectors run knives through test of cutting rope/2X4s and such, more food, more knife horse trading.
Note; Expect to put on a few pounds.
