Rare circa 1835, William Butcher Bowie with Spanish notch with cypher of King William IV (1830-1837). Knife exhibits 8" clip point blade, an original Sheffield scabbard with leather cover utilized so often in America especially during the Civil War. This knife still has the late well respected Texas Collector Paul Sorrell's tag stating descent from Orange Texas Confederate soldier, Oliver Bland who was at Sabine Pass with copies of his wartime papers and his biography stating he was born in 1834 and died in 1909. Private Bland served from May 1861 til May 1, 1865. The 13th Texas served in the TX, NM, AZ and Trans Mississippi department. Norm Flayderman thought so highly of this pattern that the first knife he shows illustrated in his monumental 2004 text The Bowie Knife Unsheathing an American Legend page 6 is another W. Butcher "Dog Bone". SIZE: PROVENANCE: Decent of family to Vaughan Seastrunk; Ex-Paul Sorrell Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall, blade overall is gray with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. Makers mark are clear and easily seen including William IV's cypher over "W.BUTCHER / SHEFFIELD". Knife saw honest use and good care still holding a fine edge from its last sharpening, probably in the Civil War era. Rosewood grips have hand worn patina with large chip at one toe as can be seen in photos. German Silver mounts are intact with slight wobble to blade. Leather frog is sound with hand worn patina, sewn over older leather scabbard utilizing original German silver and cardboard scabbard, remnants of old tape can be seen where removed at drag, which has several hairline cracks but is still solidly attached. 50865-1 JS (5,000-7,000)