Will and Finck

[eisman]

I'm so torn by this.

 

[abcdef]

I'm stumped. Provenance?

 

[waynorth]

California - but looks "cold-stamped" from here!!

 

[Rich S]

I agree with Waynorth. Tang looks cold stamped, which to me = fake. Hope I'm wrong.
Rich

 

[eisman]

Not only cold stamped, but in a modern type font.

This kind of thing really frustrates me.

 

[sceva]

What does the knife look like?

 

[waynorth]

Ticks me off too!! I think I've seen that stamp before on a push-dagger!!

 

[eisman]

 

[Hickory n steel]

Definitely fake, based on the raised edges on the stamping pointing to cold stamping on a finished knife.

What scares me is that looking at the whole knife I would think it's real, of course some of that is just not knowing what to look for.

 

[Wild Ben]

B.S. No way, no how.

 

[Wild Ben]

 

[skilledhunter]

Original post is a complete fake pops up on eBay all time.. .. the pic above this post. Bone handle. Also a complete fake.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

What would a genuine one look like?

 

[JTB_5]

PBS Antique Roadshow had one.

 

[skilledhunter]

Here is one of mine..not all have the circle trade mark..generally it is accepted that the latter ones had that mark applied.

 

[waynorth]

Nice knife, S skilledhunter !!

 

[skilledhunter]

If you look at the OP’s first picture...study it closely..notice the white color around the letters of the tang stamp... that is metal displacement from being stamped “Cold”. Usually found on fakes. Never on authentic Antique Bowie’s/ dirks/ hunting knifes.

 

[salvy]

Hi Folks,

PBS Antiques Roadshow. Original appraisal 2003 $30,000. Updated 2018 to $15,000.

Note also the "pocket clip" from 1873.

Please click the link:

Will & Finck Bowie Knife, ca. 1870 | Antiques Roadshow | PBS

Sal

 

[LastRodeo]

Hi Folks,

PBS Antiques Roadshow. Original appraisal 2003 $30,000. Updated 2018 to $15,000.

Note also the "pocket clip" from 1873.

Please click the link:

Will & Finck Bowie Knife, ca. 1870 | Antiques Roadshow | PBS

Sal

Kinda blows up that "pocket clips aren't traditional" argument.

 

[skilledhunter]

Yes...prices are down...great time to buy..