GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
RARE AND FINE CONFEDERATE NORTH CAROLINA BOWIE KNIFE.This knife is pictured on page 162 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton. There are several examples of this manufacturer known and even photographs of soldiers holding this knife. This example is no doubt the finest one known in extremely fine condition with an extremely fine orig tin scabbard. John Ashworth has had this knife for many years. It orig came from the collection of Jim Brandon of Richmond, VA (long deceased) who orig had other objects from this soldier with the initials "TTT". Unfortunately, the ID of this fine knife is lost, but maybe somebody will remember Mr. Brandon's display and the series of Confederate letters from TTT. John Ashworth remembers the archive being of a Virginia soldier, though these are thought to be a North Carolina product. This extremely well made knife measures 17-3/8" overall, blade 12-3/8", 1/4" thick, flat ground. Cross guard is 3-1/4" brass oval with brass ferrule and brass inset washer at pommel. Grip is shaped with a knob, and this particular example has initials and the date "1861" carved. Scabbard is very well made from tin with a diagonal tin belt loop applied. Knife overall is in exceptional "as found" condition. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Blade is grey/white with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass has mustard colored patina; wood has hand worn patina with carved markings easily seen. Scabbard is sound and solid with scattered areas of rust and pitting and a few small edge dents and dings. 49350-6 JS (7,000-9,000)