December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Extraordinary large Collins Bowie knife with 10 - 3/16" clip point blade, 15" overall with solid cast bronze or brass handle that has foliate shaped handguard with curled quillions. Handle has integral cast oak leaves and acorns with a snarling jaguar’s head pommel. Blade is 1 - 9/16" at the ricasso and 5/16" thick. Blade has a full length swedge and 4 - 1/4" false edge. Sides of blade have about 5-1/2" etched panel in foliate arabesque patterns. Left ricasso has lightly engraved “Collins & Co / Hartford”. Accompanied by its original black leather sheath with brass band at the throat and dual narrow belt loops on the back. It may have had a brass tip; but if so is now missing. Front side of the sheath has lightly decorated borders with a double diamond design near the top. A similar knife is pictured on page 134 & 135 of "The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing An American Legend" by Flayderman, with identical handle and blade shape with different etchings & sheath. Accompanied by a letter from nationally recognized Bowie knife expert, Herbert G. Ratner, Jr. of Greensburg, PA, who states this is “a presentation grade Bowie knife”. He further states that “this is one of only three of this style Collins presentation Bowie” to his knowledge and he has examined all three. This is the only example retaining original polish on the blade and one of only two with the company marking on the blade with his guarantee that it is “completely authentic by Collins & Co., and original to its period”. He also states that this is the finest one. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Blade retains 95-96% brilliant original polish with a few scattered spots of light pitting on right side with a few scattered spots of light discoloration on the left side. Handle retains traces of its original silver plating, mostly on handguard and in the deep recesses of the cast handle. The exposed areas are a medium dark mustard patina. The sheath has crackled surface with a slightly worn toe and retains most of its original black finish. The throat is a dark brown mustard patina. Truly a beautiful and exceptional find.