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128
LOT 124
Extraordinary and Massive R. Smith of York Exhibition
Bowie Knife, as Seen in “The Bowie Knife” by Norm
Flayderman - This massive display of the English cutler’s
art can be seen on page 388 of “The Bowie Knife” by Norm
Flayderman. Occupying an entire color page and described
by Flayderman as an “IMPRESSIVE EXHIBITION BOWIE
KNIFE” with “unusual crossguard”, this knife clocks in at 21
3/4 inches in overall length, with a 16 inch blade and a total
unsheathed weight of 1 pound and 6.8 ounces, placing it
in the upper realm of period bowies and bordering on the
side of an artillerist’s fascine knife. The blade has a spear
point and double edges, with hollow ground diamond
cross section and a squared ricasso marked “R.SMITH/
(illegible)/YORK” on the obverse. The hilt is German silver
construction, with fluted ribbing on the guard, die stamped
lion couchant designs on the coffin shaped pommel, and
a pair of pearl grip panels, each secured with six pins and
fitted with a thin, unmarked inscription panel. The included
sheath is red leather with German silver throat, mid band
and tip, decorated with painted and embossed designs in
black, blue and gold; Flayderman draws parallels between
this sheath and one used for a Globe Works exhibition
knife, and suggests the same maker for both.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall. Some mild scratches
are visible on the excellent blade, which is bright overall.
Some play has developed between the blade and hilt,
with the hilt showing some minor dings. The otherwise
fine sheath has a reglued split in one side near the tip, and
minor scuffing overall. In writer’s opinion, this is the most
impressive bowie knife we have ever offered at auction.
Provenance: Norm Flayderman; Donald Euing;
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum;
Private Collection.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
As pictured & described in
The Bowie Knife by Flayderman