MASSIVE IXL “CALIFORNIA KNIFE” CIRCA 1850.

This knife measures 18-1/2″ overall with 13-5/8″ clip point blade, originally from the Bob Abels collection and pictured in his books. Overall knife is in beautiful condition with 7″ etched panel “GEO WOSTENHOLM & SONS CELEBRATED CALIFORNIA KNIFE”. Blade is also stamped “NONE ARE GENUINE BUT THOSE MARKED I*XL”. Other markings include American eagle “THE HUNTER’S COMPANION”. Full firm mark on .22″ thick ricasso “G. WOSTENHOLM & SONS / WASHINGTON WORKS”. The original red Moroccan scabbard also has the I*XL branded in gold. Grip is formed from 2 slabs of pinned Mother-Of-Pearl with German silver mounts. Scabbard has matching German silver mounts. This is among the best of the antebellum I*XL knives known with great collector provenance and pictured in several books. PROVENANCE: Robert Abels; Pictured on p. 36 Classic Bowie Knives, 1967; Pictured on pg. 216 “Antique Arms Annual, Texas Gun Collectors Association”, 1971; Robert Berryman Collection; Lot #3911, Butterfield’s 3-23, 1992; William Williamson collection; Lot #3697 Butterfield’s 1-28, 1997; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine to excellent. Blade shows much of its original polish and luster with scattered areas of staining and old sharpening especially at tip. Mother-Of-Pearl slabs are excellent with vibrant color. German silver mounts on knife and scabbard have matching silver/gray patinas. Throat is missing frog button, scabbard body is sound with several cracks and losses of red veneer mostly on edges as can be seen in photos. 49941-23 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2248

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Auction: Firearms - March 2016

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2248	$21,275.00	MASSIVE IXL “CALIFORNIA KNIFE” CIRCA 1850. This knife measures 18-1/2″ overall with 13-5/8″ clip point blade, originally from the Bob Abels collection and pictured in his books. Overall knife is in beautiful condition with 7″ etched panel “GEO WOSTENHOLM & SONS CELEBRATED CALIFORNIA KNIFE”. Blade is also stamped “NONE ARE GENUINE BUT THOSE MARKED IXL”. Other markings include American eagle “THE HUNTER’S COMPANION”. Full firm mark on .22″ thick ricasso “G. WOSTENHOLM & SONS / WASHINGTON WORKS”. The original red Moroccan scabbard also has the IXL branded in gold. Grip is formed from 2 slabs of pinned Mother-Of-Pearl with German silver mounts. Scabbard has matching German silver mounts. This is among the best of the antebellum IXL knives known with great collector provenance and pictured in several books. PROVENANCE: Robert Abels; Pictured on p. 36 Classic Bowie Knives, 1967; Pictured on pg. 216 “Antique Arms Annual, Texas Gun Collectors Association”, 1971; Robert Berryman Collection; Lot #3911, Butterfield’s 3-23, 1992; William Williamson collection; Lot #3697 Butterfield’s 1-28, 1997; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine to excellent. Blade shows much of its original polish and luster with scattered areas of staining and old sharpening especially at tip. Mother-Of-Pearl slabs are excellent with vibrant color. German silver mounts on knife and scabbard have matching silver/gray patinas. Throat is missing frog button, scabbard body is sound with several cracks and losses of red veneer mostly on edges as can be seen in photos. 49941-23 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2248 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - March 2016 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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MASSIVE IXL “CALIFORNIA KNIFE” CIRCA 1850.