45 - Handmade fixed blade knife featuring a spear-point steel blade. The blade displays visible surface grinding and sharpening marks across both faces. The handle is constructed with a light-colored rawhide or animal skin wrap, secured by a hand-stitched seam running the length of one side. Accompanied by a custom-fit sheath made of deep red dyed leather. The sheath is hand-assembled with a coarse, light-colored thread using an uneven cross-stitch pattern, terminating in a tapered point. 12" L x 2" W x 1/4" D.

Handmade fixed blade knife featuring a spear-point steel blade. The blade displays visible surface grinding and sharpening marks across both faces. The handle is constructed with a light-colored rawhide or animal skin wrap, secured by a hand-stitched seam running the length of one side. Accompanied by a custom-fit sheath made of deep red dyed leather. The sheath is hand-assembled with a coarse, light-colored thread using an uneven cross-stitch pattern, terminating in a tapered point. 12" L x 2" W x 1/4" D. In 1987 Peter and Wendy sailed Papua New Guinea aboard Ron and Valerie Taylor's Reef Explorer with photographer David Doubilet, diving the sunken warships of Milne Bay and New Britain for Peter's National Geographic feature “Ghosts of War in the South Pacific” (April 1988). They came home with weapons, tools and carvings from the Sepik River and the Highlands. The cassowary bone dagger in Lot 48, with its clay mask hilt, is the standout of the group. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The blade exhibits significant surface wear, including heavy grinding marks, scattered pitting, and scratches on both sides. A distinct V-shaped scratch is present near the tip on one side. The edge is unevenly sharpened. The rawhide handle wrap shows overall discoloration and darkening from handling, particularly near the bolster area. The red leather sheath shows surface abrasions, fading of the dye, and dark spotting throughout. Stitching on both the handle and sheath remains intact despite visible aging. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.