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CIVIL WAR ERA BOWIE KNIFE PURPORTED TO HAVE BELON

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR ERA BOWIE KNIFE PURPORTED TO HAVE BELON
CIVIL WAR ERA BOWIE KNIFE PURPORTED TO HAVE BELONGED TO A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER. 11-3/4 clip point bowie with well made ricasso. 16-5/16" overall. Has small iron cross guard with 2 quillons cast such that they cover edges of blade. Every surface of the blade, which is 1/4" thick at the back, the flats, the edges, and false edges, is skillfully hollow ground suggesting surgical instrument maker's work. Grip is checkered ebony with brass ferrule at cross guard and pommel. Pommel is flat, ovoid, and has umbrella shaped cap stand. Most likely, the unmarked knife, dating to the mid 19th C, was American made though there is a slight possibility of being from London or Scotland. Attached tag written in ink says "TAKEN FROM A PRISONER OF WAR JAN 6, 1865 AT COLUMBIA SOUTH CAR BY HENRY HESCOCK AND LATER SOLD TO SECOND LIEUTENANT JOSEPH MCCLURE OF CO C 15TH KENTUCKY". CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright. Few small nicks in cutting surface. Grip has longitudinal crack that has been repaired. Overall the knife is in excellent condition. 4-57157 (2,000-3,000)"