December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Circa late 1840s. Large and highly decorative English bowie with 12 - 5/32” sweeping clip point blade, the blade stamped on the ricasso "GEO WOSTENHOLM" along with famous trademark "I*XL". The face of the blade is decorated with a stamped hunting scene involving a running stag, 2 hunters on horseback, 5 hounds, along with a spread winged eagle, the words "NONE ARE GENUINE BUT THOSE MARKED I*XL, THE REAL I*XL (knife)" in a riband, and "THE HUNTERS COMPANION". Additionally, the blade is etched with the following, surrounded by scrollwork: "GEO. WOSTENHOLM & SON, SOLE MANUFACTURERS OF THE REAL I*XL CUTLERY; THE UNITED STATES, THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE, PROTECTED BY HER NOBLE AND BRAVE VOLUNTEERS; AMERICANS ASK FOR NOTHING BUT WHAT IS AND SUBMIT TO NOTHING THAT IS WRONG". The blonde horn handle is secured by a single pin, the thick nickel silver guard is formed in an S-shape and the ferrule is decorated in a grape vine motif. 17 - 13/16” overall. The unusual leather sheath was made without mounts and is embossed along the edges, with the words "YANK IXL, SHEFFIELD" impressed below the belt loop. Blade is in excellent condition with little sign of use, a couple of tiny nicks and scattered spotting. The handle and fittings are in superb condition, the sheath solid with light scuffing. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the Antique Bowie Knife Association, dated 1979. A wonderful Wostenholm bowie unlike any other we have seen, and apparently the only known Wostenholm knife with a sheath bearing the "Yank I*XL" mark. Illustrated in The Antique Bowie Knife Book by Adams, Voyles, and Moss on pg. 195. Formerly part of the Tommie Jones collection.
Overall Length
17 - 13/16"
Paperwork
Certificate of Authenticity