Hicks riflemen knives are among the rarest and earliest American martial military Bowie knives. A.G. Hicks, Cleveland, OH was contracted for these knives in the early 1840s and his mark appears as a 3-line stamp in the wood "A.G. HICKS / MAKER / CLEVELAND, O". His knives normally saw hard and continued use well into the Civil War. This is the finest Hicks knife and orig scabbard overall that we have encountered. It would be difficult or impossible to be able to upgrade this example. SIZE: PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Fine overall, complete and orig. 9-7/8" clip-point blade is overall grey with staining and pinprick pitting. Knife grip is complete with turned down pommel with well discerned but light maker's mark stamped in wood. The 14 iron screws that hold brass trim of mounts have matching grey patina to blade. Orig scabbard is complete and sound, still retaining reinforcement to top of belt loop. Leather surface has the typical heavy tar surface which is mottled but mostly complete with some edge scuffing. Brass throat and drag have matching light mustard patina with old cleaning to knife mounts, scattered small dents and scratches unaffecting aesthetics. 53091-135 JS (7,000-9,000)