Mark Zaleski's Masonic Knife

Gary Mulkey

Gary Mulkey

Joined
May 14, 2001
Messages
1,414
I got the pleasure of viewing the original of this one last winter at The Arkansas History Museum and knew at the time that I wanted to recreate it. With Mark's help, I think that I have come up with an accurate recreation.

MarksMasonic_zpscad7bc25.jpg


If memory serves, the original was found after The Civil War. Unfortunately there are no markings on it to show the maker or age. The original owner was obviously a Mason but we have had Masons here in America since before the Revolutionary War so that by itself is not much of an indicator of it's age.

For the blade I used some W2. The handle scales are of apple wood in order to be authentic with the original. Though my photography doesn't show it, I gave the handle an antique finish to try to match the original. All of the furniture is of silver.

masonicknife_zps8c880c95.jpg


masonicknifetwo_zpse2da41c4.jpg


When I can, I'll have Chuck Ward take some better photos

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Gary
 
Nice, Gary, and a very true re-creation of the original. I'd love to see some close ups of the work.

Paul
 
Impressive!

You did a fantastic job, I would like to handle that piece!

Steve
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Member, W.F. Moran foundation
 
To repeat, you made a faithful re-creation, however the original maker deviated from the shape of the Masonic square. (or any other true square). While it is certainly recognizable for what it is intended to be, the true Masonic emblem depicts a compass and a 90 degree square. I realize this is nit picking but none the less true, and is in no way a reflection upon your effort to duplicate the original piece, which you did to near perfection.

By way of credentials, I have 50 years in the craft.

Paul
 
sheathmaker said:
To repeat, you made a faithful re-creation, however the original maker deviated from the shape of the Masonic square. (or any other true square). While it is certainly recognizable for what it is intended to be, the true Masonic emblem depicts a compass and a 90 degree square. I realize this is nit picking but none the less true, and is in no way a reflection upon your effort to duplicate the original piece, which you did to near perfection.

By way of credentials, I have 50 years in the craft.

Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks, Paul. I certainly meant no slight to the Masons but was only trying to duplicate the original.

Gary
 
No, Gary, you did good. The original maker gets the hickey on this one and I imagine space constraints caused the squeezing of the square. It's not a big deal but it did sort of jump out at me in the larger photo. You were just duplicating something that had already been made, and you did it very well.

All the best

Paul
 
Gary, your attention to detail on this knife is admirable. Again, you are an inspiration. It's one o the finest examples of a modern maker's reproduction. I don't see a name stamp. Just curious where you decided to mark it?
 
Gary, in Arkansas I went 'round and 'round that knife viewing it.
It was my favorite in the entire display.

:thumbup: :thumbup: on your rendition.
 
Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.


Lin--For some reason I decided not to stamp this one as the original had no stamp. Whenever it sells, I'll give the new owner a certificate of authenticity instead. Don't ask me why I did this. I just went with a feeling. I suppose that if someone wanted it, I could always stamp it on the silver ricasso wrap.

Karl--When viewing the knives last winter in Little Rock I had the same feeling. Not knowing the ownership of the knife, I made a comment to Mark about how much I was impressed by it and his face lit up. He has every right to be proud of the knife and was a huge help with this project.

Gary
 
Thanks, Bruce. I hadn't thought of it but it does have a little of a San Francisco Bowie look.

Gary
 
Well executed knife. Id like to see the original, which museum is it in, please - The Historic Arkansas Museum?
 
Thanks. The original was on display at The Arkansas History Museum for a while but is now back in a personal collection.

Gary
 
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