GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
IVORY - MASSIVE NEW ORLEANS MADE CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIFE WITH UNIQUE IVORY GRIP.This knife is pictured on pg 237 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton described as a Louisiana Naval Side Knife. Just over 2lbs, 20-1/4" overall, 14-1/2" blade with massive forged bolster, almost 3/4 of an inch thick,the thickest I have ever seen on a Confederate knife. This knife was orig found in New Orleans lending to speculation of New Orleans manufacture. One other specimen is noted and is pictured on pg 228 of Norm Flayderman's text The Bowie Knife. From Confederate Bowie Knives "While it is true that no elephants lived in the South, many prewar seaport manufacturers had ample access to imported ivory, a common material in early 19th-century sword hilts. This fabulous heavy Louisiana-style knife was likely made in the New Orleans region. The substantial one-piece carved elephant ivory grip has a brass pommel cap. Genuine Confederate knives such as this rarely display ivory grips. Obviously, the manufacturer was making a statement on style, as well as utility. The heavy iron guard gives this knife a cutlass look, and we believe it may have a naval association". This is among the most impressive, well balanced Confederate weapons you will ever hold. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Compton Labauve Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Blade is overall grey with scattered staining and light pitting, iron patina to large guard and pommel. Brass ferrule has medium mustard patina and the massive "certifiable antique elephant ivory" grip has ivory patina with many age cracks and a few patinaed over tiny scratches and chips. 50721-1 JS (12,000-15,000) IVORY -