GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE HICKS RIFLEMAN''S KNIFE IDENTIFIED TO CIVIL WAR PRIVATE JAMES BURCH, 10TH VRC.Hicks riflemen knives are among the rarest & the earliest American martial military Bowie knives. A.G. Hicks, Cleveland, OH was contracted for these knives in the early 1840s & his mark appears as a 2-line stamp in the wood "A.G. HICKS MAKER / CLEVELAND, O". His knives saw hard & continued use & a handful are known with Civil War ID''s. This example was found recently in western New York accompanied by a wonderful tag as seen in photograph. James Burch, originally in the 51st New York Infantry (Shepard Rifles), was in Co. "H", 10th Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC). Lt. John H. Bassler, who signed the note returning the knife, was originally in the 149th PA was "severely wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863 lying within the Confederate lines, and was practically a prisoner until the retreat of the enemy, and was not carried off the field until the evening of July 5." After his convalescence he was placed in command of Co. "H", 10th VRC, September 28, 1864. SIZE: CONDITION: Good to very good overall "as found". Blade exhibits old sharpening with staining & pitting. Grip is missing flat brass cap which was originally retained by 2 screws. Brass has reddish/mustard patina. Grip has hairline crack & partially discernible makers mark stamped in wood. Org scabbard is dry with cracking & crazing, reduction at tip. Orig inked note is easily discernible with folds & soiling. 50194-8 JS (6,000-8,000)