May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Circa 1830s - 1840s Sheffield made Arkansas toothpick. Measures 13 - 3/4" overall with an 8 - 3/4" blade and a 6" false edge. Ricasso marked with the English royal cypher 'WR' and crown and 'W BUTCHER / SHEFFIELD'. Ebony scales with silver escutcheons on both sides held in place by 4 silver pins. Splay-shaped dog-bone pommel with nickel silver edges and throat. Blade is acid etched with leaf, vine, and scroll design entire length with large panel (now faint) that reads 'ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK'. Classic "Spanish notch" forward of the ricasso. Correct period sheath is covered in thin black Moroccan leather with silver throat and drag. A nearly identical knife is pictured in "The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend", Norm Flayderman, Pg. 270, pub. 2004. CONDITION: Very good. Blade shows some original finish with evidence of prior cleaned pitting with no nicks to edge and sharp tip.