June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
Top quality Sheffield bowie knife of the Gold Rush era, the blade about 5/32" thick and over 12" long with most of its original crocus polish present, etched in a panel "California Knife" with foliate scrollwork, highlighted with gold wash. The handle features the rare "steer" guards along with coffin-shaped horse-alligator pommels and mother of pearl inserts, all on a nickel silver frame. No sheath. circa 1849-1850s. G. Grookes was established as a table knife maker in about 1837 and the business was listed as G. Grookes & Co. during the 1840s; by 1862 it had become Crookes & Clarke. This is a well known knife in extraordinary condition, pictured in The Antique Bowie Knife Book by Adams, Voyles, & Moss (pp.512-513), and in California's Best: Old West Art & Antiques by Brad & Brian Witherell (p.110). CONDITION: In unused condition with scattered spidering on blade and a few small dings here and there.