The handle scales ready to attach to tang:
The scales attached. X-rays showed that the original scales were attached with tubing since the fine silver wire that attached the domed pin heads wouldn't have been strong enough. The pommel wrap is fine silver as well.
Domed pin heads attached & a sealer coat given to the walnut burl scales.
Now that the walnut scales have been sealed. I am ready to do a final sanding of them as well as the various silver pieces of the hilt. Then after another 6-8 coats of finish I should be ready for the escutcheons when they are finished being engraved.
Once the knife is completed, it will be on display at The Arkansas Historic Museum until February when I will take it out for the annual Arkansas Knifemaker's Show.
I have pledged $1000 of the sale price to the museum for all of their help, without which I couldn't have made such an accurate reproduction of the original which is housed there.
I hope that you enjoy this as much as I have in making it.
Gary