2008

Well Documented Cased Presentation Sheffield Horse Head Bowie Knife

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Well Documented Cased Presentation Sheffield Horse Head Bowie Knife
This excellent presentation Bowie Knife was presented to Joe Big Plume by Sir Robert Baden-Powell in June of 1923. Sir Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of the Boy Scouts of America. On April 17, 1923, Sir Robert attended a Scout and Cub demonstration at the Victoria Arena, Calgary, Canada. At the demonstration Joe Big Plum, Chief of the Sarcees, presented Sir Robert with an elaborate head-dress and pronounced him an honorary Chief with the name Spotted Eagle. In return Sir Robert presented Joe Big Plume with this Bowie knife. The blade is 8 5/8" in length, 3" back clip, filed decoration on the spine and curved blade swelling at the front and handguard. The left side of the blade is inscribed "Presented to / JOE BIG PLUME / SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL / (SPOTTED EAGLE) / JUNE 1923" and the makers marking "MALEHAM & YEOMAN'S / SHEFFIELD" is marked on the left side. The full handguard is enhanced with file work and ball finials. The ferrule is banded with acorns and oak leafs and the handle is made of a single piece of buffalo horn fashioned with tight checkering. Topping the handle is one of Sheffield's legendary horse head pommels in true Victorian style made of two hollow pieces that have been silver soldered together and filled with rozzil (cutlers cement). The furniture is nickel that has been silver plated. The knife comes in its original leatherette presentation case with gold embossed highlights and red velvet lining. The knife also comes with numerous letters of correspondence in reference to the knife, photographs, copy of an old article about the Boy Scouts and a copy of the May 1996 Knife World publication with cover story "Bowie Knife of Joe Big Plume". Also there is a copy of the book "B-P" by E.E. Reynolds, the story of Baden Powell.
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Condition: Excellent overall. There are a few minor chips on the blade edge which remains bright with some minor discoloration. The silver has dulled from its original high polished finish and has an attractive silver gray appearance. The handle is excellent with a few minor nicks and dents in the otherwise very crisp checkering. The inscription remains crisp and clear. The case is very good with some scattered flaking of the cover, some edge and corner wear and excellent lining. A very nice heavily documented and publicized presentation Sheffield Bowie knife.