May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Established in Sheffield in 1839, the firm of George Woodhead and Joshua Hartley is believed to have begun crafting Bowie knives in 1841. Like many Sheffield cutlers, Woodhead and Hartley capitalized on American exports, feeding the American appetite for quality European blades. This example of their work features a clip point blade that measures 8 - 1/2" with a 5" false edge. Ricasso is marked "WOODHEAD & HARTLEY / 36 HOWARD STREET / SHEFFIELD". The blade is undecorated and features a heavy gray patina with scattered blemishes. Thin oval-shaped silvered crossguard. The coffin-shaped handle features a set of smooth horn half-panels with a shield escutcheon on the obverse. The panels are held in place with 4 pins on each side. Large pommel features a raised beast consisting of the head and forelimbs of a horse and the torso and hindquarters of an alligator. The handle is in good condition with intact scales and nice patina to pommel. The pommel design was purportedly first used by Davy Crockett to describe keelboat pilot Mike Fink and part of the song "Hunters of Kentucky" commemorating Jackson's victory at New Orleans. The visual of a half-horse, half-alligator remained in American frontier folklore to describe someone equal parts strong and dangerous. Complete with its leather scabbard with tooled designs that resemble scales. German silver drag, which may be replaced, exhibits a nice patina. Scabbard exhibits scattered blemishes with intact belt loop. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: L: 14"