December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1311:
LARGE CASED D.E. HENRY MOUNTAIN RANCH "OLD GRIZZLY" BOWIE KNIFE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
An immensely impressive bowie knife crafted by D.E. Henry, who was considered one of the best bowie knife makers of his time. This knife features a large hand rubbed satin finished 11 - 3/4" blade with pronounced clip point. The blade is marked "D.E. HENRY / MT RANCH" on the obverse ricasso. Henry was one of the first makers to number his knives and this example is numbered "3" inside his grizzly bear mark on the reverse ricasso. The blade remains bright and flashes its original finish with only minor blemishes and spotting. Silvered oval shaped crossguard. Hidden tang construction with large coffin shaped handle and stag scales that are secured by 4 pins on each side. Reverse scale features an oval escutcheon engraved "M.C. Mele" in cursive lettering. Scales are intact and remain firmly secured to the handle. The knife is complete with its leather scabbard that features silvered mounts. Scabbard body exhibits light blemishes from handling. Mounts exhibit a light patina. The knife is housed in a wood presentation case with blue velvet lining. The lid features a brass escutcheon engraved "D.E. HENRY". The knife exhibits scattered light blemishes throughout with some scratches on the guard. Henry set the precedent for modern bowie knives and makers often use him as an example when crafting their own work. He was a true pioneer of the custom knife world and only crafted 466 knives over his 40 year knife making career. This is perhaps one of the largest bowie knives he crafted. CONDITION: Very good.
Item Dimensions: 21" x 6" x 3"