GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
ESA - FINE AND RARE CIRCA 1835 "ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK" IVORY COFFIN HILT SHEFFIELD BOWIE KNIFE.11-1/2" overall, 7-1/2" clip-point blade with 4-1/4" false edge. This is among the finest examples you will find of the iconic W & S butcher coffin-hilt clip-point Bowie with "ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK" etched in central panel. There are only a handful of this early pattern known which are all highlighted in the important Bowie texts, including Bob Abel's Bowie Knives and Norm Flayderman's The Bowie Knife. These early knives typically saw hard use and this example has survived with a relatively fine blade, retaining most of its orig luster and easily discerned etched panel. The scabbard is also sound, complete and solid with all three German silver mounts and frog button. The ivory slab grips have beautiful mellow patina. SIZE: CONDITION: Fine overall. Blade shows about 50% orig polish and luster with old sharpening, staining and light pitting. Maker's mark is crisp and etched panel is very good and about as fine as these are found. The ivory slabs exhibit smooth ivory patina retaining all German silver mounts, with one slab having thin 1" chip missing and hairline crack as can be seen in photos. Scabbard is sound and solid retaining much of the gilt decoration and most of it's dyed deep blue color, some crinkling in scabbard surface, but no bends or weak area. German Silver mounts have matching patina to cross-guard, pins and body of knife. 52413-1 JS (8,000-12,000) ESA -