GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
IDENTIFIED VIRGINIA CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIFE.This knife was bought at auction in 2009 in Martinsburg, WV (Berkley County) from the estate sale of Judge Gray Silver. There were several effects in the auction belonging to Col. Frank Silver, including a pair of Civil War stirrups with tag stating his ownership. Though Col. Silver was a Colonel after the war in the UCV, he was Private Francis Silver, III (1836-1885) of the 1st Virginia Cavalry. He enlisted 6/28/1861 at Camp Jefferson Davis. He was wounded in the head and ankle at Rude's Hill, Virginia 11/23/1864, he was taken prisoner but escaped at Appomattox Courthouse 4/9/1865. He was born in Berkley County, VA and is buried there. There is a small file of documents telling history of the Silver family and a letter concerning the auction and provenance. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Ex-Pvt. Francis Silver, III, 1861; Ex-Judge Gray Silver; Ex-Judge Gray Silver, Jr.; sold June 11, 2009 by Headley's Auction along with all contents of estate home; Ex-Thomas L. Boucher Collection; Wayne McNeese Collection. CONDITION: Clip point Bowie measures 18" overall, with 12-1/4" blade with square ricasso and 4" clip, which is overall brown with iron patina and pitting as is 3-1/2" cross guard and 1" ferrule. Turned wood grip has hand worn patina; is sound though with several hairline cracks. This is a fine, well balanced knife. 51598-6 JS (2,500-3,500)