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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #479
Lot #478
Lot #480

Lot 479: Fine William F. Moran Bowie Knife with Sheath

Scarce William F. Moran Bowie Knife with Sheath

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Lot 479: Fine William F. Moran Bowie Knife with Sheath

Scarce William F. Moran Bowie Knife with Sheath

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Estimated Price: $1,200 - $1,800
Price Realized:
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Scarce William F. Moran Bowie Knife with Sheath

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 1543
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 229
Class: Other
Description:

Measuring 10 7/8 inches overall, with a 6 inch clip-point blade with broad and shallow single fullers, marked "BY/W.F. MORAN/LIME KILN,/MD." on the right ricasso. A farmer turned blade maker, William Moran was in business into the 2000s, but stopped taking orders in the 1980s; by that point, the wait list for his knives was around 20 years, and he feared that he wouldn't be able to deliver on any more orders than that. Among other distinctions he was a founder of the American Bladesmith Society, president of the Knifemakers Guild, and "the father of modern Damascus", credited with introducing pattern welding to modern American knife production. The grip is smooth hardwood construction, with a single-quillion brass guard and a contoured pommel cap, showing a fine "Coke bottle" style contour that sits well in the hand. With a brown leather sheath, which is hand-signed "Bill Moran/circa 1963/NORMAND McMurtry"; McMurtry has not been identified.

Rating Definition:

Good. The blade has been sharpened and subsequently polished, with mild pitting and scratches, a mixed aged patina on the brass, and scattered dents and handling marks.



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