- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 45:
Description
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 report:
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.
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