June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
This very large folding bowie knife of the 1830s era is marked at its base W (crown) R, C. CONGREVE, SHEFFIELD and the blade is faintly etched, in a panel, "I fear neither Lion nor Bear nor Dragon, I can cut down a Tree, or tap you a Flagon", with scrollwork towards the blade's ricasso. The clip point blade is slightly over 1/4" thick with a maximum width over 1-3/8", and is released from the serviceable closed position by depressing the oval escutcheon on the obverse handle. The beautifully textured stag scales are accompanied by guards on both ends, including "king's crown" guards when fully opened. Sheath of red Moroccan leather with German silver throat and fancy tip protects protruding blade when closed. Pictured in The Antique Bowie Knife Book by Adams, Voyles, & Moss (pp.280-281). Perhaps the finest known example of this type. c.1830s. CONDITION: No signs of sharpening or use, scattered light pits toward the blade's tip, etching is faint. The handles are in nearly perfect condition.