This rare American Bowie much like and made by same maker as the 1839 dated "NATCHITOCHES GUARD" has impressed etched motto's on both sides which read "ALLWAYS READY" and "I NEVER FAIL". Of the handful of knives by this maker, this is no doubt among the finest measuring just over 12" overall with 7-7/8" blade with 4-1/2" clip, 1/4" thick at ricasso. The simplistic etching is typical of the late 1830's where we date this Bowie. This example like the few others known have the identical raised long rounded German Silver escutcheon mounted on fruitwood grip with 3-1/4" iron cross guard with acorn-like finials. This knife is featured on pg. 333 of Norm Flayderman's outstanding text The Bowie Knife - Unsheathing an American Legend, 2004. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Collection; Pg. 333 "The Bowie Knife"; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Blade retains most of its original polish and luster with some sharpening especially at tip which has been slightly re-pointed. Accompanying 19th century scabbard fits knife sloppily. Scabbard is missing tip though retains German silver throat and frog button. Grip has hairline crack running from ferrule to escutcheon. 49941-30 JS (6,000-8,000)