May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Manufactured circa 1860. Arguably the most recognizable Bowie knife in the hobby due to its association on the night of April 15th, 1865, the night Abraham Lincoln was murdered by John Wilkes Booth, as Booth and his conspirators used similar knives to carry their out their plot to assassinate the 16th president. Due to this association, no Bowie knife collection is complete without having at least 1 example. This particular Bowie features a large 10" spearpoint blade. Left side is stamped "RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE", and the ricasso is stamped by the maker "WM JACKSON & CO / SHEAF ISLAND WORKS / SHEFFIELD". The blade exhibits a gray patina with scattered freckling and blemishes. Silvered crossguard with a moderate patina. Full tang with dark patina. Stag grip scales are held in place by 5 silvered pins on each side, and the obverse scale features a long escutcheon. Scales remain intact with 1 pin slightly bent on the reverse. A description of these knives can be found in the book titled "A Sure Defense" by Worthen and Zalesky on pages 400-401. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: L: 14 - 3/4"