October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Circa 1850s large Bowie knife made for the western Gold Rush market. Large clip point blade with ricasso stamped: "S.C. WRAGG 25 FURNACE HILL SHEFFIELD." Left side of blade panel is deeply acid etched with scrollwork and lettering: "CALIFORNIAN KNIFE." Flared brass backward guard with full tang blade into a checkered ebony handle with 5 silver pins. Left side of handle has a football-shaped silver escutcheon with the script initials "A.A.N." This exact knife is featured in "California's Best / Old West Art And Antiques" by Brian and Brad Witherell at the bottom of pg. 108. CONDITION: Blade has not been overly sharpened. Mottled gray finish overall with most mossing near the ricasso. Handle slabs are tight to tang.
CORRECTION: Based on further research, a sheath has been added to this knife; please refer to new photos as of 9/21/2023.