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Rare and Historic Bowie Knife

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Rare and Historic Bowie Knife
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Rare and Historic Bowie Knife, with Texas history, marked "Alfred Hunter Superior Cutlery", 9" blade, 14" overall, Spanish notch, in leather sheath (probably containing original sheath). The name "J.L. Holmes" is period inscribed on escutcheon plate of handle. According to Document No. 3992 to Interim Texas President David G. Burnet in the papers of the Texas Revolution, Capt. Holmes was a former "Colonel in the U.S. service during the war and sailed with the Kentucky Volunteers in August 1836 from New Orleans to Velasco, Texas, on the schooner Col. Fannin." When the Mexican government abrogated the Treaty of Velasco, as soon as Santa Ana was released in August 1836, Pres. Burnet was tasked with deterring the expected invasion of Mexico. The earliest reference to James L. Holmes, Captain, shows him on the muster rolls of Kentucky Volunteers in Texas, dated 27 August 1836, Velasco, where he was immediately promoted to Major. McGrady Montgomery, thru whose family the knife was originally acquired, once served under Capt. Holmes and first appears on the July 20th, 1836 muster rolls under Capt. Price's company with rank unlisted, period of service six months, and under Remarks it is noted that he received from the government "one pair shoes". (Whether Holmes or Montgomery were actually present at the battle of San Jacinto is open to some dispute, but we can at least place them both in Velasco in late 1836. Consignor has been unable to provide us with documentation as yet; however, more recent research at least guarantees this to be an early and significant piece of Texas history.) Condition is excellent. Blade shows light to just moderate carbon toning and very minor loss at tip. Bone handle grip with very light wear and minor discoloration and some crazing from age. Scabbard cover with light nicks, scuffs, and minor darkening. Est.: $25,000-$35,000.