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Ruana Elk Antler Hatchet & Scabbord c.1984

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Ruana Elk Antler Hatchet & Scabbord c.1984
For your consideration is a Ruana elk antler hatchet with leather sheath circa 1984. Having left the decimated family farm in North Dakota and looking for greener pastures, 1938 found Rudy Ruana in the small community of Bonner, Montana working as a mechanic and welder at a small garage. In order to help his family survive during the post depression era, Ruana began to make a few knives on the side, a skill that originated in the 1920’s when he was a farrier in the cavalry, making his first knives for a couple of Native Americans in need of a better tool for skinning horses. As time passed and the reputation of Ruana’s knives grew, demand became so great that Rudy began making knives full time in 1952, calling his business Ruana Knife Works. This gorgeous Bonner Montana made hatchet is in incredible unused condition. The aluminum handle shows a high polished finished with hand fit elk antler grips. The handle is stamped on the right “Ruana Bonner Montana”. The hatchet measures 10 3/8” x 5”. The sheath is in good condition showing a dark patina. The copper rivets show evidence of corrosion which is indicative of age. The sheath is stamped Ruana.