A last minute collection purchase prior to leaving for "Hotlanta", included this Model 14. Its a puzzle to me, but I'm easy to be puzzled. Thought maybe one of y'all (all y'alls?) could enlighten me on what we are looking at here.

The first two "suspects" were the slanted (not a flat top) brass butt cap and the oversized brass name plate, neither of which I thought came out of the Shop, unless it was done in the early years by customer request.

The work appears to be neatly done looking at the spacers. My only thought was that it was done by a fairly talented knifemaker who started with a Randall kit blade. I guess the sheath was made by Mr Johnson Sr, but the stitching bothers me a little; its tight but maybe not uniform?

I appreciate any enlightenment you can provide. Thanks.

All the experts must be in Atlanta all ready, but I can tell u what I see...

Looks as if it's a rehandled knife to me, solder looks good, fibers aren't ours and it's a pinned buttcap... and we definitely did not do the nameplate... I'll leave the sheath to the experts though...

See you tomorrow sir...

It caused quite a stir and interest here from private messages and people walking up to my table at the Blade Show; "Is that the Mystery Model 14?".

I got advice from Art Green, Gary Clinton, Scott Maynard, Chris Stanaback, Mitchell Harrison, and other prominent collectors and students of the Randall world, including two of the most well=known authorities.

One of them should get the Model 14 in their hands by Friday via USPS P.M.

Buck

What was the consensus on the sheath?

Well Buck,
After hearing all of the negative comments from "some" of the "well-known" authorities, I certainly hope the "recipient" doesn't try to "claim" otherwise with regard to other "possibilities".
We shall see, Capt. Chris

I see that the butt is attached with a pin. Maybe Tommy Bish?

Rod what do you mean? What do you want to know about the sheath?
It’s a Maurice Johnson RB.
Hope this helps.

Buck said I guess the sheath was made by Johnson, but Buck wasn’t sure about the stitching.
I thought Johnson, but wondered if Buck found out otherwise at Blade.
Thanks Ronnie.

No it is square up a JRB.
Have a good one.

Rod,

One friend thought it was a "counterfeit" sheath by Byrd. It was pointed out that the Randall stamp is "facing" (reading from) the 3:00 position instead of the 9:00 position. Other friends still believe its a Maurice Johnson sheath, mid '70's to mid '80's, and the stamp was positioned in error.

One thought the handle work was by Tom Leschhorn (sp). Others think the result would not have been up to his standards. To me, the oversized name plate indicates possibly it was added later by someone for the last owner.