GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
IVORY - EXTREMELY FINE MICHAEL PRICE SAN FRANCISCO "CALIFORNIA BOWIE".Michael Price is no doubt the best known "California Knife" maker. California or San Francisco Bowie's are all of unique form with form-fitted metal scabbards, belt clips and bulbous grips usually made from marine ivory. Bernie R. Levine tells the best story of Price and San Francisco knives in his 1978 text Knife Makers of Old San Francisco. Michael Price began his manufacture in 1858 exhibiting at the first Mechanics Fair in San Francisco where Price boasted no better steel could be found in any other knife. Michael Price's handiwork has always been prized and many of his knives saw considerable use whereas this example is in near mint condition, retaining most of its orig polish and a beautiful scabbard. This classic California Bowie measures just over 10" with 5-7/8" blade with 4" beveled top edge of which 2" of the point was partially sharpened like other examples. Ricasso is marked "M.PRICE / SAN FRANCISCO". 2-pc "certifiable antique walrus ivory" grip slabs are retained with 3 German silver pins. Scabbard body is of matching German silver with a classic spring-style iron 3-1/4" belt clip with matching iron patina to 1-5/8" oval crossguard. This is a fine Michael Price California Bowie which would be difficult to upgrade. SIZE: CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Blade retains much of its orig polish and sharpening with some newer sharpening found scattered on blade with light staining and one area of pitting. Makers mark is crisp and well defined. Walrus ivory grips are sound with two hairline cracks on one side with good patina. German silver has scattered small scratches with intact spring steel belt clip with typical pair of teeth at end of California Bowie's unique belt clips. 49637-1 JS (15,000-25,000) IVORY -