GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
ESA - EXTREMELY RARE, UNUSUAL AND UNIQUE W. BUTCHER FOLDING BOWIE KNIFE WITH MASSIVE SPADE SHAPED BLADE.This fabulous Bowie shows little wear with checkered ivory slab grips, floral silver escutcheons on pommel. Blade marked "W. BUTCHER / SHEFFIELD" on ricasso and "WARRANTED OF THE BEST QUALITY" on blade. This is a formidable massive folder made at the height of the Bowie knife craze, circa 1835. William Butcher is among the earliest Sheffield Bowie makers best known for his dog bone knives with Spanish notches. You will never see another folder like this of such high quality and condition made by among the earliest of the Sheffield cutlers. SIZE: CONDITION: Fine overall. 6-1/2" blade which flares to 1-1/2" from 1" ricasso which is .25" thick, overall bright/gray with small areas of staining and pitting, old sharpening. Blade markings are crisp and discernible. Above Butcher stamp can be seen remnants of the "WR & Crown" typically seen on other William Butcher's (King William IV, Reign 1830-37). Knife measures 12-3/4" overall, fully functional locking mechanism, "certifiable antique elephant" ivory slabs are excellent with little wear and no discernible cracking, German silver crossguard and pommels are smooth with only light wear with a few light dents and scratches. 50412-60 JS (7,000-9,000) ESA -