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LOT 1124
Inscribed and Etched Alexander
Sheffield Bowie Knife with Ornate Patriotic
Grip and Sheath - Manufactured c. 1850 to the early-1860s,
this knife was likely made in Sheffield. The right ricasso is
marked “ALEXANDER/SHEFFIELD” though it is
believed that Alexander refers to Robert
H. Alexander, a New York importer/
distributor of Sheffield made knives, the
“N[shield]Y” on the right ricasso being one of his typical trademarks. It measures 11 5/8 inches overall, with a 7 1/8 inch clip point blade. The left side of the blade has faint floral etching and an American patriotic slogan. It is fitted with a German silver elliptical guard, floral and American eagle panels on the grip of German silver, and smooth pearl grip scales. The upper surface of the grip is period inscribed “W.M. Hazzard”. A W.M Hazzard is listed in 1860s New York newspapers as the president of the Master Builders and Mechanics of Brooklyn. The included sheath is
of red leather with gilt accents and German silver fittings.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade mostly bright with faint acid etching scattered grey spatting and
patches of very light surface pitting. The German silver generally shows an
attractive, lightly aged patina. The pearl grips are fine with some
light handling marks and a few light
chips. The sheath is fine (belt
button absent) with some
mild wear.
Estimate:
3,000 - 4,500
LOT 1125
Desirable Etched Blade Bowie Knife with Sheath - Likely manufactured in the mid-19th during the height of the North American Bowie knife trade. This example has no maker’s marks, but shows the typical traits of a Sheffield-made Bowie knife. It measures 14 inches overall with a 9 inch clip point blade that has faint American patriotic themed etching on nearly all of the left side. It is fitted with a scalloped German silver guard and contrasting bone and horn on the pommel.
The grips are smooth bone with a German silver
escutcheon on the left panel. The sheath is of
brown leather with German silver fittings.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade mostly bright with
some scattered patches of darker grey patina/light
surface pitting and faint but visible acid etching.
The German silver shows an attractive patina with a
minor repair in the upper quillion of the guard. The
grips and pommel are very good with some scattered
light handling marks and inset damage. The sheath is very
good with mild wear.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1126
George Wostenholm & Son Sheffield I-XL “The Hunters Companion” Bowie Knife with Sheath - Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George Wostenholm firm of Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility, perfectly positioning them to deal with the demands of the American market during the period of western expansion.
It measures 12 1/4 inches overall, with a 7 3/4 inch clip point blade. The
maker’s markings and trademarks are all on the left side of the
blade and ricasso. It has a German silver elliptical guard and is
fitted with smooth pearl grips with a German silver escutcheon
on the left. The included sheath is brown leather with gilt accents,
maker’s markings and German silver fittings.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered patches of
mild pitting, some minor nicks in the edge, and mostly crisp markings. The German silver
shows an attractively aged patina. The grips are very fine with a few hairline cracks and otherwise
minimal handling evidence. The sheath is fine with some minor cracking/tearing.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1127
Attractive George Wostenholm & Son Sheffield I-XL Spearpoint Dagger with Sheath - Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George
Wostenholm firm of Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility, perfectly positioning them to deal with
the demands of the American market during the period of western expansion. The overall length is 12 1/4 inches with an 7 7/8 inch spearpoint blade. Both
ricassos are marked with the maker’s mark and the “I-XL” trademark. The grip has a full visible tang, elliptical German silver guard, and smooth antique ivory grip
scales with a German silver escutcheon on one side. The sheath is of black leather and marked “I-XL” in gold.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade mostly bright with some scattered small patches of very light surface pitting and clear markings. The guard is slightly bent downward. The grips are very fine with a few scattered hairline age cracks and a few light handling marks. The sheath is fine with some mild wear.
108 Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750