October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
A California bowie knife of the finest quality by the genre's most famed maker, Michael Price of San Francisco. Manufactured circa 1859-1869 for California's booming upper class as a useful piece of cutlery as well as a status symbol during the decade known as California's Golden Age of Cutlery. A similar example is pictured on pg. 109 of "Knifemakers of Old San Francisco" by Bernard R. Levine. This specific knife is photographed on pg. 149 of "California's Best: Old West Art & Antiques" by Brian and Brad Witherell. 4 - 1/2" drop point blade with ivory handles secured by 3 pins. Marked "M. PRICE / SAN FRAN" on ricasso in single stamped letters. Complete with silver scabbard with belt clip attached on the obverse side. CONDITION: Very good, with blade showing signs of cleaning and handling with light freckling throughout and tip showing some delamination on right side. Handle shows light chip on the right grip scale toward the pommel. Belt clip on scabbard has been rebrazed. Scabbard is bright with scattered light handling marks.