November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
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. It was a William Jackson Rio Grande camp knife that John Wilkes Booth used to stab Major Rathbone in the forearm after shooting Lincoln. Another camp knife was used by Louis Powell in his attack on secretary of state Seward, stabbed repeatedly in the face and neck after the assassination. Another camp knife was found at the Kirkwood House in a room occupied by George Atzerodt, who was assigned to kill Vice President Andrew Johnson. Because of this association, no Bowie knife collection is complete without having at least one example. This particular Bowie features a 8-3/8" spear point blade. Left side is stamped "RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE". The ricasso is stamped with the maker "Wm JACKSON & CO, SHEAF ISLAND WORKS SHEFFIELD". The crossguard is brass. Has a full tang, stag scales, German nickel pins. CONDITION: Scales are excellent with no cracks. Blade has been sharpened but cleaned. Comes with a period, quality leather sheath. A description of these knives can be found in the book titled "A Sure Defense" by Worthen and Zalesky on pages 400 and 401.