May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Circa 1830s - 1840s English made Bowie for the American market. Retailed by John Graveley & Charles Wreaks, New York merchants. Bowie knives marketed by these men have been a favorite (and mystery) among collectors. An example is depicted in Norm Flayderman's 'The Bowie Knife' (2004) pg. 44. Flayderman notes, the knife is "of superb quality". Graveley and Wreaks were in business in New York in the late 1830s, but almost nothing was known about them (Batson, 1996). Overall length is 13" with a blade of 8 - 1/4" and a 3" false edge. Tapers to a thin belly notch and swelled ricasso that is stamped 'GRAVELY / & WREAKS / NEW YORK'. Single piece stag grips with nickel silver crossguard, throat, and pommel cap. Sheath is russet brown leather with silver tip and throat, accompanied by a matching frog. CONDITION: Very good. Blade has been previously cleaned with some light pitting removed from near the tip and ricasso with edge lightly sharpened. Scabbard is supple and tight.
