Gun Collectors Dream Auction #86 Collector Auction
Lot 1160:
Description
A Mexican fighting knife featuring a large steel clip-point blade with a single fuller running along the upper third of each side. The blade is stamped on the ricasso with a diamond-shaped mark containing a stylized monogram, appearing to be the letters V and A sharing a central diagonal stroke. The hilt is constructed with an oval brass crossguard and grip scales made of imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid, which are secured to the tang by two copper rivets. The pommel is cast in brass in the form of a stylized eagle head, featuring textured feather detailing and an inset yellow glass eye with a black pupil. The knife is accompanied by a period-correct, hand-stitched dark leather scabbard reinforced with copper rivets and fitted with a belt loop on the reverse. This example is characteristic of regional Mexican cutlery from the mid-20th century, often produced for rancheros or as high-quality souvenirs. Included with the lot is a handwritten collector tag identifying the piece as an antique Mexican fighting knife.
Condition report:
The blade exhibits a heavy aged patina with significant dark oxidation and scattered areas of surface pitting. The edge shows signs of historical sharpening. The brass hilt elements have a deep, undisturbed tarnish. On the right side of the handle, a significant section of the imitation mother-of-pearl scale is missing, exposing the underlying filler material. The leather scabbard shows typical age-related wear, including darkening and stiffening of the leather, along with minor losses to the original stitching.
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