{"product_id":"original-u-s-cold-war-richard-batson-1983-dated-ranger-etched-fighting-knife-in-correct-leather-sheath-by-gutcher-with-sharpening-rod-extremely-rare","title":"Original U.S. Cold War Richard Batson 1983-Dated Ranger Etched Fighting Knife in Correct Leather Sheath by Gutcher with Sharpening Rod - Extremely Rare","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. Some of the most sought-after handmade fighting knives are those of Richard Batson, who worked part-time making knives while serving in the Army from 1958-1970, mainly for active duty personnel. He continued making knives until roughly 2013, and is renowned for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. This example is outstanding with an etched date of \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 25, 1983\u003c\/strong\u003e next to an etched \u003cstrong\u003eRANGER \u003c\/strong\u003escroll. This example came to us from the Larry Thomas American Edged Weapon Museum in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, further cementing its authenticity and prestige. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bowie-style blade measures 6 1\/8” and retains its bright finish. There is some wear near the tip and at the ricasso but nothing serious. The ricasso is carefully etched:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard G. Batson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArlington, Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecember 25, 1983\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder this is Batson’s logo, a Bat over R in a circle. There is a recess of ¾” at the ricasso. The polished wooden grip is in fantastic order with seven brass rivets holding them in place. The pommel retains the lanyard loop, but there is no lanyard. The overall length is 10⅜”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original and correct leather sheath is stamped on the back:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCUSTOM MADE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSULLIVANS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAMPA, FLA.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBY GUTCHER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the original sheath for the knife, and has heavy verdigris on the brass rivets. There is a diagonal securing strap which still works well, but the leg tie down is gone. The sheath even has a slot for a sharpening rod, with the rod still retained. There is a small loop on the end for easy retrieval. The overall length is 13 3\/8” including the belt loop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBatson worked out of Arlington, Virginia from 1970-1993, and Rixeyville, Virginia from 1993-1996, and again from 1997-2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second Richard Batson knife we have ever offered, and an outstanding example at that! Comes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 6 1\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Bowie\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 10 3\/8“\u003cbr\u003eSheath Length: 13 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43482194542661,"sku":"ONJR25JYAU216","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JYAU216MAIN.jpg?v=1756487224","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-cold-war-richard-batson-1983-dated-ranger-etched-fighting-knife-in-correct-leather-sheath-by-gutcher-with-sharpening-rod-extremely-rare","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}