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LOT 1198
Rare Confederate “Pike Head/Bayonet” Bowie Knife - The intended use of this very distinctive Confederate weapon is a matter of some speculation. Abels’“Classic Bowie Knives” (page 66) asserts that it was likely intended as a combat knife that could also double as a pike head or bayonet. Albaugh’s “Confederate Edged Weapons” (page 165) suggest that the rings integral to the guard and pommel are too small for an appropriate rifle barrel or pike staff. The Confederates were known to have explored the pike as a combat weapon. The unfinished interior of the rings may have been intended to be fitted out by an end-user or armorer to match a specific barrel or staff, though some form of retention hardware would need to be provided. These knifes were believed to have been sold by Potts, a military outfitter in New Orleans, and similar examples are known to have been made
by Rees Fitzpatrick of Natchez, Mississippi. The heart of the weapon is a large bowie knife in the archetypical Confederate style, approximately 17 5/8 inches overall, impressive 12 5/16 inch long clip point blade, fine flat- sided wood handle and brass furniture. The guard and pommel are both thick and rugged brass with dual “quillions” on both, an upturned hook on the front and a brass ring on the back. The front ring has a 1 5/16 inch exterior and 13/16 inch interior diameter, and the rear ring has a 1 3/8 inch exterior and a 3/4 inch interior. CONDITION: Fine overall, with the iron blade retaining
a sharp edge and showing mostly bright with some scattered patches of minor surface oxidation, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, and some light scratches and handling marks on the walnut handle with defined edges.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
194
LOT 1197
Historic Civil War U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Holster Identified as Owned by Texas Confederate Trooper G.W. Cloud - Serial no. 95950, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Per the included letter from Dr. Fred Wuerth, he purchased this revolver and holster from Kelly Davis who had inherited it from his family after it was passed down from Texas Ranger G.W. Cloud. After the war, he built a homestead in Kimble
County. It is also accompanied by a Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
letter indicating they were able to confirm that
G.W. Cloud served in Captain J.B. McCown’s Jackson Company, 23rd Brigade, Texas State Troops and enlisted on June 1, 1861, at Hempstead. The revolver has a German silver blade front sight, one- line New York barrel address, “COLTS/PATENT” on
the left side of the frame, matching visible serial numbers, naval battle cylinder scene, “G”, “D”, and “H” sub-inspection marks; and outlines of cartouches
on the grip. The black leather flap holster has E. Gaylord maker’s marks on the belt loop.
CONDITION: Good with gray and brown patina, mild pitting, and moderate overall wear. Mechanically fine. The holster is also good with a reinforced
toe, absent strap, crackling, tears, and general
moderate wear. Overall, a very interesting set with connections to a Texan trooper who fought for the
Confederacy.
Provenance: Private G.W. Cloud of the 23rd Brigade, Texas State Troops; The Cloud Family; Kelly
Davis; The Dr. Fred Wuerth Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000