Establishing their partnership in 1863 and operating out of San Francisco, Frederick Will & Julius Finck were involved with nearly every sort of manufacture and merchandising one could imagine, most famously gambling equipment (of both the straight and crooked varieties) and knives. Frederick Will, hailing from Albany, New York, got his start with Hugh McConnel and Frederick Kesmodel, two of San Francisco's first great pioneer cutlers, and became both the chief cutlers of the Will & Finck partnership and a regular fixture with the National Guard in the city. Producing a full spectrum of edged tools and weapons, Will & Finck blades were among the highlights of the local industrial fairs, often rated the finest in the city. Measuring 9 inches in overall length, this dagger is equipped with a 3 7/8 inch double edged spear point blade, with the ricasso bearing the "WILL&FINCK/-C-/S.F.CAL" address on the obverse, and a small German silver oval guard. The grip is constructed from a single piece of smooth antique (walrus most likely) ivory, with a brass nut to secure the blade tang inlaid into the back. The nickel-finished sheath is fitted with a ball tip, and a screw-adjustable mounting clamp marked "PATENTED WILL & FINCK" on the arm. A clamp-equipped sheath grants a much wider array of concealment options than a traditional solid belt loop, such as inside pockets or boots.

Very fine overall. The blade shows some dark spotting and a few areas of shallow pitting, with the tip showing evidence of having been sharpened during the period of use. Some discoloration is present on the sheath and around the tang, with the mounting clamp in fine working order and a few dark streaks on the sheath. The grip is in very good condition, with a few light dings and an attractive grain and color overall. An iconic piece from the top name in San Francisco cutlery.