RARE SIGNED AMERICAN BOWIE

RARE SIGNED AMERICAN BOWIE. This is one of only two known signed example by W. E. Epperson and so marked on blade as seen in photograph here. This well made clip-point Bowie is just over 14-1/2″ long with blade just over 10″. The well finished bird head wood grip has German silver ferrule and had 2 small German silver round escutcheons, though one is now missing. This knife is no doubt Civil War era or earlier, but the identity of Mr. Epperson is not known. Research is needed to establish this master cutler who could have worked anywhere in the North or South. CONDITION: Blade is gray and uncleaned exhibiting scattered staining and rust. A shallow 3/16″ long nick in the cutting edge occurs about 4-1/2″ from the point. Grip has scattered scratches and nicks, one 1/4″ round escutcheon is missing, but based on patinaed surface of grip, it has been missing since close to the time of the knife’s manufacture. 4-37267 JS255 (8,000-12,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2008

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
	2458	$5,750.00	RARE SIGNED AMERICAN BOWIE. This is one of only two known signed example by W. E. Epperson and so marked on blade as seen in photograph here. This well made clip-point Bowie is just over 14-1/2″ long with blade just over 10″. The well finished bird head wood grip has German silver ferrule and had 2 small German silver round escutcheons, though one is now missing. This knife is no doubt Civil War era or earlier, but the identity of Mr. Epperson is not known. Research is needed to establish this master cutler who could have worked anywhere in the North or South. CONDITION: Blade is gray and uncleaned exhibiting scattered staining and rust. A shallow 3/16″ long nick in the cutting edge occurs about 4-1/2″ from the point. Grip has scattered scratches and nicks, one 1/4″ round escutcheon is missing, but based on patinaed surface of grip, it has been missing since close to the time of the knife’s manufacture. 4-37267 JS255 (8,000-12,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2008 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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