May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Circa 1830s -1840s early Sheffield Bowie. Brothers William and Samuel Butcher started their cutlery making partnership in Sheffield, England, more commonly known as W&S Butcher. Among Bowie knife collectors, the Butcher firm is known as one of the earliest Sheffield firms to break into the American market, making their knives extremely collectible. This example was likely made in the early 1830s, shortly after the firm's inception. Similar examples of this knife are pictured and discussed on pgs. 24-25 of "Classic Bowie Knives" by Robert Abels, and a very similar example is pictured on pg. 95 of "Bowie Knives of the Ben Palmer Collection," excepting that that example is trimmed and pinned in silver instead of brass. Knife measures 14 - 1/4" overall with a 10" blade, and a 6 - 1/2" false edge for over half the length. Left side of the blade is maker stamped, 'MANUFACTURED / BY W&S BUTCHER / SHEFFIELD'. Guard is simple German silver ellipse. Fitted with smooth antique coffin shaped rosewood scales. German silver escutcheon nameplate on the left and a simple pommel cap of German silver with tangs that extend up to the guard, masking the tang of the blade. Retains original leather sheath with German silver fittings and a heavily fluted tip. CONDITION: Very good. Blade has been cleaned / polished. Acid etch most likely lost due to cleaning/polishing. Lightly sharpened with some tiny edge nicks; blunted tip.