Overview
This is a massive, mirror-polished commemorative Bowie knife featuring a classic 'Old West' silhouette with a distinctive brass-backed spine and hardwood handle.
Preliminary identification
Gil Hibben 65th Anniversary Old West Bowie Knife, Serial #0558
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Gil Hibben's journey began in 1957 after he left the Navy, using a recycled piece of scrap metal to forge his very first blade. By the 1980s, his designs became global icons when Sylvester Stallone personally tapped him to create the signature knives for the…
Maker / Origin
Gil Hibben is often called the 'Godfather of Fantasy Knives,' but his roots are firmly planted in practical hunting and combat blades.
Condition & Value
The blade appears to have a clean mirror finish, though there is visible surface dust and light debris that should be carefully wiped with a microfiber cloth. The brass guard shows some light patination or 'spotting' typical of storage, which can be polished out.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD