January 19th 2017 Premier Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/19/2017
Historically, this is the most important knife in this outstanding collection. It has a red "44" painted on the back of the blade designating it as number 44 pictured in Robert Abel's book "Classic Bowie Knives". I feel this knife is so important that I am going to pass on to you the entire historical description on page 31 of Abel's book. As follows: "Rezin Bowie Presentation Knife. James Bowie's brother, Rezin, presented four friends with special Bowie knives in honor of his brother's feats with the knife that earned it that famous name. From the research of Lucy Leigh Bowie of Washington, D.C., the facts were learned from a speech she made at the Bucks county Historical Society. It was known that Rezin Bowie gave one knife to Governor E.D. White of Louisiana, another to Lieut. H.W. Fowler of the U.S. Dragoons, which is on display at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, another to a Mr. Stafford of Alexandria, La., and the fourth to Edwin Forrest, famous American actor who was friend to both James and Rezin Bowie. The Forrest knife has a 10" clipped point, stag hilt with oval brass guard and pommel. The brass mounted leather scabbard with brass tip. The knife was made by Chevalier, New York, and is inscribed, "Chevalier's California Knife." Date, about 1835, and presented by Edwin Forrest to Joseph Davis, Feb. 12th, 1849, as engraved about guard." Also pictured in "The Antique Bowie Knife" book on pages 76 and 77. Further physical description of the knife as follows: Overall length of the knife 16-1/2". Clip point with swedge on each side. Blade in nice condition, some moderate to heavy pitting at the tip, one belly in edge rear of blade, original old lacquer on most of the blade. Brass mounts, stag horn grip. Original leather scabbard, brass mounts with belt loop. All brass has old yellowed lacquer finish. Number "44" also in red nail polish on rear of throat.
Item Dimensions: Overall: 16-1/2"L.