September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
From the Collection of William Guthman, this significant knife is pictured on page 114 as plate 55 in "March to Massacre" by William H. Guthman. Guthman's description is "White man's scalping knife, circa 1785, that was made for a prosperous woodsman. The curly maple haft has four silver inlays and a silver cap and ferrule. All silver is engraved, one piece with a Federal eagle. The hand-forged blade is 7-1/2 inches long. -Guthman Collection". The knife measures 11-7/8" overall with a diamond-section double edged blade with flat 1-1/2" ricasso on both sides. The tapered octagonal handle actually appears to be walnut, although this is the same knife pictured in the book. The one inlay is absent on the left side of the oval inlay engraved with an eagle. CONDITION: Blade retains a lightly polished surface with grey patina and some darker spotting. Edges have been sharpened long ago. Handle shows smoothing and scattered marks from use. Top of pommel cap shows a series of small dents. A very nice silver mounted American knife. PROVENANCE: Ex. Bill Guthman Collection. DMG