LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Collection of Western History #680  / 

74020

A Very Rare Forty-Niner Miner's Bowie Knife, Lat

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
A Very Rare Forty-Niner Miner's Bowie Knife, Lat
<B>A VERY RARE AND MASSIVE FORTY-NINER MINER'S BOWIE KNIFE, CIRCA 1840-50s - <BR></B></I><BR>This large Bowie knife measures 19 1/4" overall with a 15" blade. It has an amazing history in that it made its way West and to the gold fields and saw great use before actually going back East to Goldsboro, North Carolina and being used in the Civil War.The 1 1/2" wide blade has a rich, even gray patina with one slight knick at the edge halfway down the blade. The 3 1/2" wide, heavy crossguard is slightly loose, however the grip is made of bone or ivory with line carving twisting around the grip adding a simple beauty to this utilitarian knife. A 1" brass pommel is secured by three rivets making this an imposing looking, historical fighting knife.<BR>The red Moroccan sheath is in remarkable condition considering that the date of manufacture of this knife is approximately 1845. While there are scratches to the leather as appropriate with age and use, the 1" brass throat and 3" curved brass tip are completely intact as is the brass frog at the rear of the throat. They exhibit a dark patina and finish and this Bowie will slip smoothly into its sheath, a wonderful and important edged weapon that has seen action in two important eras of American history (similar to the Texas bowie knife illustrated with Berryman's first book). Untouched and in mint condition.<I> From The William Turner Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Bats, Clubs, Sticks, Swords, Rif (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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