This is one of only two known Bowies by this earliest of Sheffield makers, stamped on ricasso "BROOMHEAD & THOMAS / CELEBRATED AMERICAN / HUNTING KNIFE". Scabbard is covered with red Moroccan leather with gold tooled decoration "THE CELEBRATED / ARKANSAS TOOTH PICK". Knife measures 15-3/4" with 10-3/4" blade, just over 1/3" thick at ricasso with 4-1/4" clip point and additional 4" beveled top and Spanish notch. Knife is German silver mounted including 3-1/4" cross guard, scabbard mounts and escutcheons which fit into finely carved Mother-Of-Pearl slab grips. This is among the most desirable early American knives which Bob Abels in his iconic collection deemed "One of the finest knives in the collection". SIZE: PROVENANCE: Robert Abels collection, P. 7 Bowie Knives from the collections of Robert Abels & Ohio Historical Society, 1962; p. 19 Classic Bowie Knives, 1967; Charles Schreiner III collection, The Antique Bowie Knife Book, p. 362, 1990; Butterfield''s Lot #3891, 3-23 1992; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection CONDITION: Fine to excellent overall. Blade shows areas of original polish with overall bright/gray color with scattered areas of pin prick pitting and staining. German silver mounts on knife and scabbard have matching silver/gray patina, scabbard veneer has chipping on edges and about 2" x 1-1/2" piece missing losing part of 2 letters in text as can be seen in photos. 49941-12 JS (40,000-60,000)