Page 133 - 4094-BOOK2

LOT 1135
Rare and Desirable J.P.
Lower, Denver Retailed
Richardson, Edinburgh Belt Knife
with Red Stag Grip and Lower
Marked Sheath - Manufactured in
the late 1880s to 1890s by T.E. & R.S.
Richardson of Edinburgh, Scotland, this very interesting knife was retailed by J.P. Lower’s Sportsman’s Depot in Denver, Colorado
(J.P. Lower mark on the belt loop of the sheath). Though the Sheffield, England knife trade was very prolific on the American
market during this period, far fewer examples are seen from Scottish makers, making this knife comparatively quite scarce. Adding
to its desirability, the way these
knives found their way
to Lower’s shop in
Denver is specifically
documented by Lower
himself. On p. 69 of “ Sixty
Seven Years in the Gun Trade: The Historical Accounts of J.P. Lower” by David A. Lanara, Lower notes that after a tour of Europe
with his wife, they were departing for home from “Edenborough, Scotland”. He notes that prior to their departure he secured a
contract with Richardson’s on George Street for lines of fine cutlery and knives, specifically noting the beauty of their “spear point
blades” which were appointed with “red stag grips”, the likes of which were not available on the American market. This particular knife fits Lower’s description
perfectly and has the T.E. & R.S. Richardson mark on the left ricasso with the 52 George Street address. Richardson’s are listed at this address in the 1883-1884 Edinburgh and Leith Post-Office directory, where they are advertised
as “cutlers and surgical instrument makers”, as well as offering various bicycles and tricycles. It certainly makes sense that Lower, one of the most prolific sporting goods dealers of the American West, would wish to acquire and
sell an attractive yet very functional sportsman’s knife such as this. It measures 12 5/8 inches overall with a 8 inch drop point blade. There are some initials very faintly scratched on the right ricasso. The guard is circular with two
short straight quillions and a German silver bolster blow it securing a red stag antler grip and a flat German silver pommel. It includes a leather sheath that has German silver fittings and is very faintly marked on the belt loop with
Lower’s mark.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the blade is almost entirely bright with some very light polishing marks and a small patch of light spotting on the left. The guard is fine with grey patina, and the German silver is bright. The grip is
excellent with minimal handling evidence. The sheath is fine with some mild wear/flaking and some age-related cracking on the belt loop. A rare Edinburgh made sportsman’s knife retailed by one of the American West’s most
famous shops!
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500 131
Also included is a copy of the book “Sixty Seven Years in the Gun Trade: The
Historical Accounts of J.P. Lower” by David A. Lanara, which shows a picture of a
similar belt buckle on p. 71.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retaining traces of the original blue finish in
sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered
patches of light surface pitting/oxidation, typical of a sidearm that saw many
years of use on the frontier. The grip is very good with some mild wear and some
scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The holster and belt are
both fine with moderate wear and some age cracking associated with use in the
American West, and almost all of the stitching remains tight. This is an incredible
opportunity to own a documented J.P. Lower, frontier shipped, Colt Frontier Six
Shooter Single Action Army revolver as well as a frontier issued holster rig, all of
which exude the character and romance of America’s western frontier!
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500