During the Mexican war the 1st Tennessee volunteers joined General Zachary Taylor in June 1846, the regiment fought at the battles of Monterrey, winning the name "The Bloody First" after scaling the walls at Fort Teneria, a Mexican bastion which guarded the city and taking heavy casualties. 1st Tennessee was transferred to General Scott''s army and fought in the battles approaching Mexico City including Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo & Contreras. This particular Bowie which measures about 15" overall with 10" dagger point blade exhibits Mexican eagle pommels. German silver escutcheon on stag grip reads "Tenn. 1st". Blade has non-Sheffield etching on 3 ribbons "VICTORY TO OUR BRAVE VOLUNTEERS". Blade is maker marked on reverse ricasso "JAS. WESTA / 8 LORD STREET / SHEFFIELD". Obverse ricasso stamped with large "DCL". Accompanying original scabbard has German silver tip and throat. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Charles Schreiner III Collection; Lot #3952, Butterfield''s 3-23, 1992; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Blade shows old tool marks and sharpening with discernible etching as can be seen in photos. Blade overall is gray/bright with numerous small scratches as noted, small areas of staining and pitting, small areas of original polish and luster are still visible especially on reverse near ricasso. Solder filled German silver cross guard and pommel show small scattered dings and dents and metal around pins a bit crimped and crumpled. Stag horn grips are sound and well fit with hand worn patina. Accompanying original scabbard exhibits matching patinas to German silver mounts to those of knife, throat still retains frog button, scabbard body is sound and solid retaining most of its color though scuffed and losing about 1/2 of its gold gilt color on impressed designs. 49941-27 JS (8,000-12,000)