May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
An immensely impressive bowie knife crafted by D.E. Henry, who was considered one of the best bowie knife makers of his time. This knife features a huge hand rubbed satin finished 13" blade with pronounced clip point. The blade is marked "HENRY" in large letters on the obverse ricasso. Henry was one of the first makers to number his knives and this example is numbered "101" on the reverse ricasso. The blade remains bright and flashes its original finish with only minor blemishes and spotting. Stainless oval shaped crossguard with elegant and deeply carved scrollwork embellishment. Massive coffin shaped ivory grip scales that are secured by 4 pins on each side. Obverse scale features an oval escutcheon with scrollwork that marches the guard. Scales are intact and remain firmly secured to the handle. There is one crack on the obverse scale. The knife is complete with its leather wrapped wood scabbard that features silvered mounts. Scabbard body exhibits scattered blemishes from handling. The obverse side of each mount also displays elegant scroll designs. Mounts exhibits a light patina. Henry set the precedent for modern bowie knives and makers often use him as an example when crafting their own work. He was a true pioneer of the custom knife world and only crafted 466 knives over his 40 year knife making career. This is perhaps one of the largest bowie knives he crafted and this is a rare opportunity to own an impressive piece of D.E. Henry's work. CONDITION: Very good.