RARE SHEFFIELD BOWIE KNIFE WITH CARVED IVORY HANDLE FEATURING THE BUST OF A BLACK MAN.

RARE SHEFFIELD BOWIE KNIFE WITH CARVED IVORY HANDLE FEATURING THE BUST OF A BLACK MAN. This wonderful clipped point Bowie has a 10” blade. The blade features etched mottos on either side. One side is not fully discernable, the other side reads, “ALWAYS READY”. The handle is of carved ivory and at the top is a detailed carving of a black man’s head. The head set with small glass eyes. At one time the entire head was blacked with ink which is now, as a result of use, worn on all the high features, the ink only remains in the protected areas. The cross guard and original metal scabbard both gold-washed, scabbard also features decoration of leaf-like etching. The knife originally came from an old Maine family, an ancestor of which, during the mid 19th century spent much time on business in New Orleans. According to verbal family history, it was at that time that the knife was purchased in New Orleans. The handle on this Sheffield knife is typical of high quality James Roger’s style knives but the carved Afro-American head is believed to be unique for a Roger’s handle. A rare, high-grade Bowie knife. SIZE: (blade) 10”, (overall) 15-1/4”. CONDITION: Blade has an all over gray patina with the original etching much worn. The ivory handle has various tight age cracks. The scabbard retains bright gold wash and has a very old dent at the tip. 9-23194 (12,500-17,500)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2011

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
	4224	$0.00	RARE SHEFFIELD BOWIE KNIFE WITH CARVED IVORY HANDLE FEATURING THE BUST OF A BLACK MAN. This wonderful clipped point Bowie has a 10” blade. The blade features etched mottos on either side. One side is not fully discernable, the other side reads, “ALWAYS READY”. The handle is of carved ivory and at the top is a detailed carving of a black man’s head. The head set with small glass eyes. At one time the entire head was blacked with ink which is now, as a result of use, worn on all the high features, the ink only remains in the protected areas. The cross guard and original metal scabbard both gold-washed, scabbard also features decoration of leaf-like etching. The knife originally came from an old Maine family, an ancestor of which, during the mid 19th century spent much time on business in New Orleans. According to verbal family history, it was at that time that the knife was purchased in New Orleans. The handle on this Sheffield knife is typical of high quality James Roger’s style knives but the carved Afro-American head is believed to be unique for a Roger’s handle. A rare, high-grade Bowie knife. SIZE: (blade) 10”, (overall) 15-1/4”. CONDITION: Blade has an all over gray patina with the original etching much worn. The ivory handle has various tight age cracks. The scabbard retains bright gold wash and has a very old dent at the tip. 9-23194 (12,500-17,500) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2011 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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