GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
UNIQUE SILVER MOUNTED PRESENTATION MEXICAN BOWIE KNIFE WITH FULL RELIEF CARVED GRIP AND SILVER BULLION SCABBARD.This is a very unusual and showy knife measuring about 14-1/2" overall with 9-3/8" clip point blade. With long thin fuller and sculpted stepped ricasso which is .30" thick. Blade is etched with floral patterns inscribed on one side "VINCENTE URIBE" and opposite "MASCOTA JULIO 25D 1870". We are not sure of the significance of Mr. Uribe and the date July 25, 1870 in Mascota history. Full relief carved grip is well executed showing an eagle with rattlesnake amongst branch of tree with fruit and leaves. The wonderful matching original scabbard is decorated with silver bullion thread in floral decoration with silver throat and scabbard tip which terminates into an acorn shaped finial. We have never seen a finer 19th century Mexican Bowie. SIZE: PROVENANCE: William Williamson collection; Lot #3720 Butterfield''s 1-28, 1997; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Blade is gray overall with good crisp discernible etching. Sheffield silver plate cross guard has matching patina to pommel and scabbard mounts. Scabbard body is sound and supple with crazing and minor folds with a few scuffs on edges. Bullion embroidery is fine with some small losses to silver on thread as can be seen on photos mostly on borders. 49941-15 JS (10,000-15,000)