GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FINE GEORGIA ARMORY CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIFE WITH EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL SCABBARD.One of the finest armory made Confederate Bowie knives to come to market in many years. Of classical style and massive size, this orig Bowie knife retains its orig tin mounted leather scabbard in outstanding condition. The knife measures 23 ½ “overall with the blade being single edged with a lightly clipped point which is 1-1/2" wide at the ricasso. The “D” guard is made from a single wide strap of iron with a convex face and flat interior terminating at the pommel with a simply rounded end and with a pointed simple quillon. The grip is of plain, undecorated walnut carved in bulbous form with an iron ferrule at the base. Accompanying this wonderful and massive Confederate knife is its orig scabbard with lead rivets, tin tip and orig sewn belt loop. You will rarely encounter a better example of this popular and rare Georgia Armory Bowie knife featured in Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton and Josh Phillips fine monograph just on these particular knives. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Ben Michel Collection; James D. Julia Auction, Lot 1084, Fall 2007; Collection of Jim Maconkey. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Blade overall is mostly bright showing orig polish and tool marks with areas of staining and light pitting. D-Guard, ferrule and blade ricasso area still retain orig armory black paint or japanning rarely seen on but a handful of the best examples of this knife. Grip has hand worn patina. Scabbard is sound and solid with crazing and several age cracks. One of the three lead rivets to reinforce scabbard is missing and one of the four pins holding tin tip is missing. Blade and scabbard fit well with some shrinkage such that there is a 3/8" gap. 49442-14 JS (10,000-15,000)