My collection pieces • (2) 'new' Hill Pearce fixed blades

SharpByCoop

SharpByCoop

Enjoying the discussions
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 8, 2001
Messages
12,348
Hi folks,

I got a quick email from Bruce Godlesky a few weeks ago:

Hi Jim, You probably don't remember me but we met at one of Harley's
hammer-ins about 5-6 yrs ago.
Mike Krall suggested I run this by you with the hope you might ID the maker.
The photo was taken at a gunshow last weekend.
Only mark on the lower knife is a JP on the ricasso. The Jand P being
joined. The upper blade has a P on the butt. Thes eare very elegent knives,
very well made. Bottom is damascus a blade and guard and upper is not
damascus and has a bronze(?) guard. Both are ivory w/brass pins.
I know the picture is crappy but thought you might recognize the style. The
filework is very clean and concise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks Bruce F Godlesky/ BirdogForge
Click to expand...
Attached was a cell phone snapshot. No mistaking, for me, who the maker in question was! Mark did not want them at the honest asking price. I did.

After a series of emails and calls, I got in touch with the gentleman selling the set (acquired from an estate sale of a gun client). His name was Louis Wagner. He is an honest gentleman, and listened carefully as I explained the maker and his work, and his retirement. We struck a deal and I was able to have these delivered last week. :thumbup:

Let's take a look at these 25-30 yr-old pieces:

orig.jpg


Both very familiar in style, and here are the closeups:

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


Both feature old elephant ivory handles, his signature unique filework, Both have his mark (I learned that when he marked his handles on the butt, it wasn't his own damascus. This was probably acquired from Rob Charlton's 'Damascus USA' imported from India steel at the time)

Yes, there are cracks in the Persian's handle. That's not uncommon and the nature of this fragile material.

Things to look closer at:
  • His chisel swedge with filework
  • The filework on the ricasso area of the Persian is visual in two planes
  • The tasty Spanish notch cutouts
  • Both undersides have a perpendicular linear filework, both uppers have a curvy organic pattern
  • How the edge facets on the guard do not go all the way around. Intentional.
  • A 'reverse' convex flute on the bolster
  • He likes the area near the guard to be thin and delicate. To be able to let it balance and pivot in the fingers and allow the blade to have action.

This brings my collection of Hill's knives up to 11 fixed blades and 6 folders.

A shoutback to Bruce G. and Mike K. for their input and prompting.

Thanks for viewing. :D

Coop
 
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Congratulations, Coop, isn't it nice to actually have a collection of one makers work. I know within my accumulation I really like having my Fikes collection.

Win
 
Great job buddy....those two are superb additions to your incredible collection of Pearce finery. :cool:

I, too, have fallen for the 'gotta have more than one to make a collection' syndrome...:rolleyes:
 
you must've shit a brick when you saw those crappy cell phone shots Coop, just after your heart skipped a beat:D
I'm VERY pleased for you!
As for cracks- whatever. There can't be too many HP knives like that floating around out there, not with that level of workmanship. No doubt you can live with a little extra 'character':thumbup:
 
Coop, that's an amazing find. Congratulations on both knives. Of the two the Persian is my personal favorite!! The asymmetry on the tip of the blade is a very interesting feature. Well done.

I too understand the need to own more than one knife from a maker you like and admire. I'm now at 7 Colters; all folders.

Marcel
 
Those are both very lovely knives, congratulations on the find & subsequent acquisition! I love the slim and elegant look of both of those blades.

I think an updated "family" shot might be in order (hint, hint). ;)
 
Coop,

Congratulations on picking up 2 great knives to add to your beautiful and rare Hill Pearce collection.

Jim Treacy
 
Glad ya made the deal Coop!
When I handled these 2 pieces, I knew they were something extra different. Balance and "feel" were just "special".
Ya want to see something really special, check out his muzzleloading rifles!!!! Yow!!
 
CONGRATS Coop! A couple of stellar additions to your already exquisite collection. Very unique shapes and filework to be admired on those!

Peter
 
Hey Coop, I'm glad these found their way to your home. I'm goofy enough to believe it wasn't just "luck" but more like fate.. Kharma if you will... Anyway, most people who post on this section of the forum know of your quest and are happy for you.. :thumbup: Best Regards, Rich
 
Congrats Coop on picking up these fine vintage pieces for your collection.
No mistaking them for other than Hill Pearce knives.
 
Beautiful knives Coop, would also love see a group shot...... :D:thumbup:
Congrats on the fine score. - :thumbup:
 
Jim they are gorgeous and I truly mean it

just so happy they ended up in the right hands

The photography is beautiful and othh are to die for but I really like the Damascus piece just wickedly elegant

Since my initials are JP if ya get bored with either send them my way:D
 
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