Legendary Al Mar Scrimshaw Engraved Dragon Knife Set - Original 13 Artist Proof

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Legendary Al Mar Scrimshaw Engraved Dragon Knife Set - Original 13 Artist Proof:
$15999.00

If you're a vintage Al Mar collector you are probably aware of the 'original 13', which Al created with ivory micarta handles.
The earliest production models had "USA" stamped on the blades (1980, 1981), and very shortly after that came the oversized Seki stamps (1981, 1982, known by collectors as 'big Seki'). These knives are hard to find, and can be quite pricey if in pristine condition.As a premium option, Al Mar contracted the engraver, Robert Valade, who hand chiseled the bolsters. To find pristine USA or Big Seki with original Valade work (not completed later when his hands became tired) is incredibly rare, and akin to stumbling across a unicorn in the wild.
As an ultra premium option, Al contracted the scrimshaw artist, Bonnie Schulte, who produced a very few masterful pieces. You could check active listings weekly on for 10 years and come across less than a handful (I know, because I did exactly this).
This set is the Artist's Proof set, and was purported to be held by a family member for a period of time before being sold. It was then listed with it's own website, and then later went on back in 2019-2020, where a friend of mine finally broke down & purchased it. I bought it from him in 2021 and have been admiring it ever since. You'll never come across a set like this again, because it's one of a kind, and it's like purchasing a stable full of rainbow unicorns. I wasn't exaggerating when I said this set is legendary.The colors are crisp and the blades are clean of scratches or scuffs. In short, these 13 knives are pristine, and as new (except for the natural aging of the brass).