Garage sale Ruana

[Paladin]

A friend recently acquired a Ruana like the one shown below. He got it at a garage sale. It is clearly a once in a lifetime find. The photo I have posted is a stock photo but it is the exact same knife Condition is just very slightly less than the new one shown.
Can someone help us with a realistic value of the knife and sheath??

The OAL is 14 3/4 inches and the blade length is 9 1/4 inches.

[jonet143]

more than he paid!

[Forensic Jim]

Ray, is there a stamp on the knife? Also, is there a pommel with any inscription on it and what's the handle made of? Any idea if it was made by Rudy Ruana or was it made later?

[gcrinnion]

A friend recently acquired a Ruana like the one shown below. He got it at a garage sale. It is clearly a once in a lifetime find. The photo I have posted is a stock photo but it is the exact same knife Condition is just very slightly less than the new one shown.
Can someone help us with a realistic value of the knife and sheath??

The OAL is 14 3/4 inches and the blade length is 9 1/4 inches.

This Bowie is worth at a minimum $1,200 to $1,400 and could go up to as much as $2,000 if certain things click. Elk horn handles are standard and the Walnut is an option. Rudy also offered micarta on occasion and some other woods if they were available to him.

The knife will be worth more if Rudy vibra-etched his name and trademark ricasso on the blade. There should be a model number somewhere on the knife. Look for a number like 41D or 38C or a similar model number.

[Forensic Jim]

I would have guessed $1,800-2,000. Never seen one like that and would sure like to know what year it was made.

[Paladin]

Guys,
WOW!! is all I can think to say,, and thanks very much for the input. We had no clue as to the value and this is very helpful and enlightning.
Thanks very much!

Ray