GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXTREMELY RARE & UNIQUE CONFEDERATE "FORKED TONGUE" BELT WITH MAKER MARKED CONFEDERATE SIDE KNIFE.This 20" Confederate side knife and Confederate forked tongue buckle on belt is featured on pg 253 of Confederate Bowie Knifes by Melton, Phillips & Sexton. Knife is marked "PRIME" on its unique sheet iron turned down cutlass type guard. John Prime is listed in a Washington County, North Carolina census as a gunsmith. According to Jerry Garrett, the late, well known and respected Confederate belt buckle collector in Atlanta, Georgia "The knife and belt came out of an estate in New Jersey. I feel it was a captured piece, very probably at the Battle of New Bern, NC in 1862. New Jersey troops were engaged there, and a number of souvenirs were taken North from this fight, I have had several in the past, including a large Bowie and belt". Orig Confederate frame buckle belts are extremely rare and this is a fine example as is the matching Bowie and scabbard. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Jerry Garrett Collection; Lee Hadaway Collection 2007; Collection of Jim Maconkey. CONDITION: Overall very good. Blade is grey/brown with old sharpening, staining and pitting, obviously made from file most likely utilizing its handle which has good hand worn patina. Leather scabbard and leather belt both sound. Belt has tear with contemporary sewn repair. Buckle exhibits mustard colored patina. 49442-19 JS (10,000-12,000)