Operating out of San Francisco, Will & Finck manufactured a wide variety of knives, and are associated with the California Gold Rush. Twelve inches overall, with a 7 1/2 inch blade, 3 inch sharpened clip, "NHJ" monogram etched on the left side and faint "WIL(illeg.)INCK/(illeg.)CAL" makers mark on the left ricasso. The spine of the blade is nearly a quarter inch thick with matching tang, oval cross guard with upturned quillions and a pair of stag horn grips. With a tooled leather bodied, tin reinforced sheath with integral belt loop. Notes from the consignor attribute this bowie knife to the Collection of J.R. Hegeman, one of the most prominent collectors of Colt firearms of the early 20th Century.

Fine, showing a mixed gray patina overall. The blade has been sharpened, with some nicks on the edge and clip. The attractive grips are very fine, with mild handling marks, and the sheath is fine, with some scuffs of the leather and bends and tears in the tin.