Museum-Tier 1989 Bob Hardin Custom Presentation Bowie Knife – Serial No. 5 of 25 (Celebrating Knife No. 4,000 Milestone) with Original Velvet Display Case
Up for auction/sale is an absolute masterpiece of late-20th-century American custom cutlery. This presentation-grade Bowie knife was handmade, deeply etched, and hand-carved by Late custom maker Bob Hardin, completed on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1989.
The ricasso and handle feature extensive hand-engraved inscriptions detailing the knife's unique origin:
Obverse Ricasso: "By - Bob Hardin, Knife No. 4000, No. 5 of 25 - 12/24/89"
Reverse Ricasso: Custom Made For My Best Friend Mr. Guy Henley."
Handle Spine: Hand-carved by the maker: "Carved By Bob Hardin Dec. 24 1989."
Because this piece was built explicitly as a Christmas Eve presentation gift for the maker's best friend, it clearly received Hardin’s absolute highest level of bench-time, precision, and quality control.
The Handle: A spectacular natural bone or ivory handle scale featuring a high-relief, deeply sculpted American Eagle in mid-flight. The carving is set against a meticulous, darkened stippled background. Finished with ornate, classical relief-patterned cast brass/bronze guard and pommel cap.
The Blade:High-contrast, multi-layered deep relief etching featuring two iconic American frontier motifs:
Side A: A highly detailed American Mountain Man/Frontiersman in a coonskin cap holding a long rifle on rugged terrain.
Side B: A sleek Mountain Lion/Cougar navigating a steep, rocky cliffside.
Weighs 1lb 14oz
Blade 9-7/8”
Handle 5-5/8”
*Please review the high-resolution photos carefully to assess the stunning details and exact condition of this historic piece.*
Shipping & Handling:
Ships securely packed, fully insured with signature confirmation required to ensure safe arrival.
