May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Large and impressive Sheffield Bowie made for the American Gold Rush market. This clip point Bowie in classic form was made by, 'J. WALTERS & CO. / GLOBE WORKS / SHEFFIELD' and is marked same on ricasso. Acid etched panel reads in flowing banner, 'CALIFORNIA KNIFE' on a vine pattern backdrop. Clip point 10" blade has a sharpened 4" false edge. Knife displays a heavily embellished German silver cross guard, a grapevine silver collar with a bulbous stag and doe motif silver pommel cap. Handle is very interesting combination slab mother of pearl and ivory. Scabbard is of burgundy Moroccan leather with embossed gold embellishments and German silver throat and tip. This exact knife is pictured on pg. 107 of 'California’s Best: Old West Art & Antiques', by Brian and Brad Witherell, 1999. CONDITION: Very good overall with the blade primarily gray with mossing overall. No visible pitting, no nicks in the edge, and strong makers stamp. German silver furniture has a nice overall patina. Grip scales are very good with no chips and are tight to the tang. Sheath is good with moderate wear.