January 19th 2017 Premier Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/19/2017
Overall length 15-1/2", blade length 10-7/8". Circa 1845. Nice large Bowie with elegant long clip and swedge on both sides, front half of the blade. Left side of blade beautifully, very deeply etched, with all the classic Bowie mottos, including "Americans ask for nothing but what is right, and submit to nothing that is wrong". Has center piece American eagle with spread wings, holding a banner in its beak stating "American Bowie Knife" beneath banner "Tooth Pick", concluding motto on the right side "The United States, the land of the free, the home of the brave. Protected by her noble and brave volunteers". Stamped on the haft by maker "E. Barnes & Son 226 Solly Street Sheffield". Blade in wonderful condition with very few spots of minor pitting, some minor black staining, and scratch marks on right side from careless cleaning. Blade still has 65% original polish. German silver mounts, knife and scabbard. Stag horn grip with four decorative rivets each side and shield name plate on left. Coffin style hilt with half horse, half alligator decor. Beautifully embellished scabbard, obviously done by a book maker. Black leather, stamped and gilt borders, in bulls-eye design. Stamped and gilded large logo, two on each side. One with winged horses, protecting American Eagle in center, inscribed banners "The Real Knife, California Gold Finder". Second logo depicts a bust of Gen. Taylor surrounded by a stand of arms, all resting on a banner stating "Genl Taylor". Scabbard in fine condition, one little fingernail size piece of black leather missing. Frog button missing from throat mount. Solder repair to very end of tip mount.
Item Dimensions: Overall: 15-1/2" L.