|
Iron Guard 1880 Hunting Knife w/Varney Scabbard
Price: $2350
One of the most desireable of the US martial blades, the Iron Guard M1880 Hunting Knife and Varney Scabbard were manufactured in very limited numbers (1002) and saw the hardest service of all the M1880s eventually in service. The knives themselves were manufactued at Springfield Armory and were serial numbered from 1 to 1002. The number on this knife is 587. The pommel is well-stamped with "SWP" over "1881". One side of the knife hilt throat is stamped "U.S. Springfield" and on the reverse, "587". There are no chips on the grip and it retains almost all of its tung oil finish. Amazingly, this knife has no pitting but only some surface ge discolouration. The blade is only slightly sharpened and undamaged. Finding unchipped, unbent blades and edges is highly unusual in these early knives.
The scabbard is excellent with only normal crazing on the face of the scabbard body. The upper hanger leather is solid and shows only some crazing; live leather. The back of the upper hanger leather is crisply stamped "WATERVLIET ARSENAL". The upper joint opens and the small retaining or locking strap on the back is intact. The swivel itself is too stiff to turn - probably due to verdigris but not due to damage.
This was my personal selection over years of collecting for a nice Iron Guard and Varney. If you want a fine specimen, this is it. The back of the set is as good as the front and I have a photo if you request it.
|
