Knife identification and repair question. Daniel E Weiler?
Hello, knife enthusiasts. I recently picked up this interesting knife at an estate sale and I’m hoping someone can help identify it.
The sheath is clearly stamped “WEILER,” and based on examples I’ve found online, I believe it was made by Donald E. Weiler. The knife and sheath came together, and the fit is absolutely perfect, which makes me think they’re original to one another.
What gives me pause is that the knife itself is not stamped. Every Donald E. Weiler knife I’ve found online has the maker’s mark on the blade. Did Weiler ever make unstamped knives? Could this have been a special commission where the customer requested no blade stamp? Or is it possible Weiler only made the sheath and the knife was made by another custom maker?
The knife appears to be very high quality. It has a full-tang forged blade with what looks like the original forge scale left on the flats. It doesn’t appear to have ever been used. The handle is made from two different horn materials with brass pins, a mosaic pin, and brass inlays.
I also have a restoration question. One of the thin brass inlay pieces in the handle is missing, and the matching one on the opposite side is loose and falls out. I’d like to have it repaired correctly without hurting the knife’s value. Can anyone recommend a craftsman or custom knifemaker who specializes in this type of restoration?
I’d also appreciate any thoughts on whether this looks like an original Donald E. Weiler piece and, if so, what its approximate age.