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.
If you have questions please email firearms@jamesdjulia.com.
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1161
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$4,025.00 |
LOT OF 3 CIVIL WAR ERA BRASS HANDLED EDGED WEAPONS.1) Fine Model 1832 Ames U.S. short sword dated 1843 in orig scabbard with accompanying Civil War sword belt with eagle buckle with 3-pc silver wreath. 2) Model 1873 Winchester musket saber bayonet in orig scabbard with frog. 3) Unique, possibly Confederate made Bowie bayonet similar in blade style, if not same manufacturer, as Bowie bayonets thought to made by Cook & Bros. of New Orleans for sporting rifles. This could be the same, but these are unique in that they fit over the muzzle of the gun such that guns could no longer be fired once attached. There are only a handful of these examples known. Norm Flayderman in his text The Bowie Knife on pg. 216 shows two identical examples with same scabbards. There is a large “8” found on one quillon on either side which would have probably matched bayonet stud. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: 1) Very good to fine. 19″ blade retains much of its orig polish. Good markings including inspector’s though eagle proof on blade is partially polished out. Scabbard is sound & solid with several scuffs & cracks. Drag is dented. Accompanying belt not attached to frog and is very good overall, being sound & supple with buff dyed brown. Belt plate & keeper are matching and unnumbered. 2) Very good to fine. 20″ blade is gray/bright with scattered areas of staining and European proofs on ricasso. Scabbard is sound & solid, small dings in brass drag. Frog is supple with crazing & wear around hole for stud. 3) Good to very good. 9-1/4″ clip point blade shows old sharpening & grinder marks. Blade overall is gray with staining & pitting. Brass grip has tool marks & dents and is a bit out of round and bent where it may not fit on rifle. Scabbard is crazed, missing frog button, has 3″ cut in leather on top near drag. Frog appears original, is fair to good though missing one belt loop. 49059-224 JS (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1161 Click here to view provenance |
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1162
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$6,325.00 |
MASSIVE IXL BOWIE KNIFE WITH FULL RECLINING LION POMMELS.This knife measures 16-1/2″ overall with blade 1-7/8″ wide and over 12″ long. Blade exhibits faceting on top edge and a 6″ beveled clip. There are several partially discernible mottoes on blade as can be seen in photos along with clear makers mark “G. WOSTENHOLM & SONS / WASHINGTON WORKS / SHEFFIELD”. Knife is German silver mounted including scabbard along with orig ivory slab grips. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Blade is grey overall with pinprick pitting and mottoes partially discernible including “Hunters Companion”, “IXL” and an American eagle. Makers mark is clearly stamped on ricasso. We have not seen a full lion by this particular maker before and though blade and pommels are no doubt mid-19th Century it is known that some of these knives were mounted later in the 20th Century. Scabbard body embossed “IXL” appears orig though German silver scabbard mounts are possibly restored. Grip slabs are “certifiable pre-ban ivory” and orig to manufacture of knife. 49471-1 JS IVORY (2,000-4,000) – Lot 1162 |
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1163
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$4,600.00 |
MASSIVE WILLIAM JACKSON SHEFFIELD BOWIE.This exact knife is pictured on pg. 375 of Norm Flayderman’s monumental text The Bowie Knife. This knife measures 22-3/4″ overall with a 17-3/4″ blade, and is pictured to the far left in photograph of five of these monsters made circa 1850-1860. Knife is made by and marked on ricasso “WM. JACKSON & CO. / SHEAF ISLAND WORKS / SHEFFIELD”. Ricasso is marked with red paint “No. 134″, probably meaning this knife was also from the famous Bob Abel’s collection prior to Mr. Flayderman’s. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Abels. Ex-Norman Flayderman Collection; The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Blade is gray with worn point, scattered areas of staining & pitting. Large thick German silver crossguard is loose & there is about 1/2” chip in one grip which can also be seen in Flayderman book. 49059-218 JS (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1163 |
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1164
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$3,220.00 |
LARGE IXL “CALIFORNIA KNIFE” BOWIE & SCABBARD.Very wide 9-1/8″ blade, 1-5/8″ wide, over 1/4″ thick with 5-3/4″ beveled false edge. Blade has etched panel “GEO WOSTENHOLM’S CELEBRATED CALIFORNIA KNIFE”. This etched panel is weak & difficult to read but can be made out if glinted in light. Ricasso is well marked however “I*XL / G WOSTENHOLM & SON / WASHINGTON WORKS / SHEFFIELD”. German silver scabbard has gold impression in leather “I*XL”. Top scabbard mount, 2″ high, has a 2″ braised German silver belt loop. This is a scarce impressive large knife with a well marked accompanying scabbard. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Blade has old cleaning & pitting with some orig shine, old sharpening. Etched panel as mentioned is only barely discernible but other markings are fine. German silver mounts to accompanying scabbard & hilt very good with scattered small scratches & blemishes. Stag grips well fit with hand worn patina. Scabbard mounts have slightly different patina than hilt but fits knife fairly well though there is a small gap between throat and crossguard as can be seen in photos. 49059-211 JS (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1164 |
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1165
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$2,875.00 |
PAIR OF FINE LARGE JOSEPH ROGERS CLIP POINT STAG HANDLED BOWIE KNIVES.1) 12″ blade measuring 17″ overall. German silver mounted “J. Rogers & Sons / No 6 Norfolk St / Sheffield” with “VR” cypher (Victoria Regina). Accompanied by German silver mounted scabbard. 2) 10″ clip point Bowie “Joseph Rogers & Sons / Cutlers to their Majesties / No 6 Norfolk Street / Sheffield”. With accompanying German silver mounted scabbard. Norm Flayderman shows a nearly identical specimen with 12-1/2″ blade with same markings and distinctive scalloped crossguard which is an integral part of hilt with same pinned stag grips (pg. 378 The Bowie Knife). PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Markings are fine & well discerned as can be seen in photos. Both blades have been cleaned with scattered staining & pitting. Knife #1 has old sharpening & retains a very sharp edge. Scabbards are fine restorations by same maker on both knives. 49059-217, 49059-220, JS (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1165 |
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1166
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$2,300.00 |
PAIR OF INTERESTING MID-19th CENTURY ANTIQUE BOWIES.1) Rosewood handle 14-1/2″ overall with 9-1/2″ slightly curved, spear-point blade reminiscent of knives thought to be made in New Orleans by Cook & Brother with same style scabbard, but this interesting variation has a dished U-shaped pommel for resting a rifle. I have only seen a couple of this variant and the associated scabbard appears the correct type and orig to this knife though leather is weak and drag is missing as is belt loop. 2) Interesting probable mid-19th century, thin-bladed Bowie knife measuring 14-1/2″ overall with 10″ blade only 1.5mm thick, much like trade knifes circa 1840-1870. But handle is most unusual being heavy brass bolster and pommel with no crossguard and well patinaed ivory slab grips. No doubt grips are certifiable as antique and orig to this knife. Accompanied by a brown leather scabbard with brass pin-punched mounted on throat & drag with a 5-pointed star punched in as decoration. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: 1) Good to very good overall. Blade has old cleaning and pinprick pitting. Leather body missing most of its orig finish, is flaking, and unsewn at seam over most of it length. Missing tip, belt loop & top pin of throat. 2) Very good overall. Blade is gray with old sharpening, areas of staining & light pitting. Ivory slabs are certifiable as antique, well-fit with age cracks and numerous small areas of cracking consistent with antique marine and proboscine sources. Scabbard appears to be of newer contemporary construction and is very good overall. 49059-206, 49059-215, JS IVORY (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1166 |
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1168
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$1,265.00 |
2 CLIP POINT BOWIE KNIVES OF POSSIBLE CONFEDERATE ORIGIN.1) 11-1/4″ clip point blade made obviously from file, 16-1/4″ overall, 1-5/8″ width with shaped wood handle with three brass pins attaching grip. 4-1/2″ lozenge shaped iron crossguard. 2) 9-3/4″ clip point blade, 14-3/4″ overall side knife with spurious “MACON / ARSENAL” stamped on blade. Thick brass 3″ crossguard with weathered wood handles retained with six brass pins. It is difficult to date this knife and may be of quite recent manufacture, the markings are quite modern. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: 1) Good overall. Blade is gray with staining & pitting. Numerous small chips in cutting edge. Grip is sound & solid with hand worn patina with small nicks, scratches. 2) Good overall. Old sharpening. Accompanying scabbard appears to be new fabrication. 49059-208, 49059-210, JS (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1168 Click here to view provenance |
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1169
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$3,622.50 |
RARE AMERICAN SILVER HILTED NAVAL DIRK CIRCA 1800 THOUGHT TO BE MADE BY SAUNDERS OF RHODE ISLAND.This is a fine American large silver hilted dirk, unsigned however similar design is found with “SAUNDERS” in cartouche who is thought to be a Providence Rhode Island silversmith. Regardless, this is a beautiful knife just over 14″ long with 9″ double edge blade, totally silver mounted including scabbard mounts with carved “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Leather covering to wood scabbard is chipped in areas but overall 90% intact. Silver mounts and grip components also very good with gray/silver patina. Ivory grip has longitudinal crack on one side unaffecting aesthetics. 49380-1 JS IVORY (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1169 |
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1170
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$3,737.50 |
FINE PAIR OF AMERICAN 19TH CENTURY NAVAL DIRKS.Two fine ivory handled Naval dirks, one with coiled rattlesnake as its cross guard, the other with pair of eagles on its cross guard, both have etched American Eagles on blades and the unusual dirk with rattlesnake guard has rarely seen very thick ovoid blade. Knife with Eagles in cross guard has a bright blue and gold blade and has a large panoply of arms and Federal American Eagle with Shield. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Minor chips in pommel sphere of one dirk as can be seen in photos. Grips are “certifiable antique elephant ivory”. 49380-2 JS IVORY (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1170 |
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1171
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$6,900.00 |
RARELY SEEN LARGE “TEXAS RANGER” FOLDING BOWIE, CIRCA 1840-1850.This exact knife is pictured on pg. 58 of Norm Flayderman’s The Bowie Knife. This knife measures 13″ overall opened with large wide leaf-shaped 6″ blade, cyphered marks of six hounds Motto: “OLD ROUGH & READY”, and on central riband “THE TEXAS RANGER”. Knife has smaller 3″ blade with same maker mark on ricasso “SAMUEL / ROBINSON / SHEFFIELD”. PROVENANCE: Ex-Norm Flayderman Collection; The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Hand worn & whittled stag grips with German silver escutcheon. Steel bolster is gray with staining & pitting. Small blade is very good overall, though probably shortened & repointed at some point in its life. Large blade has cleaning & tool marks. Three letters in mottos are weak, as seen in photos, not affecting overall aesthetics of this rare large, early folder. Blade is still quite sharp. 49059-216 JS (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1171 |
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1172
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$862.50 |
CIVIL WAR MODEL 1860 CAVALRY SABER.Honest example of an 1865 dated and inspected light cavalry made by Christopher Roby of West Chelmsford, MA and so marked on ricasso. CONDITION: Very good overall. 34″ blade is grey/bright overall with some orig tool marks still visible. Old cleaning. Markings are crisp and well discerned. Grip retains about 90% of its orig leather, though chipped and dry with crazing. Twisted brass wire over leather. Scabbard fits well which is overall bright with old cleaning and areas of rust & pitting. 49616-23 JS (300-500) – Lot 1172 |
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2435
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$24,150.00 |
LOT OF 2 RARE SCAGEL HUNTING KNIVES WITH SHEATHS.1) Rare bird-head hunter with 5-5/8″ flat ground blade that has Spanish notch at the handguard. Right side of blade is stamped with Mr. Scagel’s trademark kris dagger logo and his name with “hand made”. Handguard & pommel are solid brass with nickel silver buttcap. Handle material is stacked leather with alternating red & black bands top & bottom and alternating silver & black bands at the handguard. Accompanied by an orig Scagel sheath with thumb strap and belt loop attached with small brass rivets. Sheath is 1-pc russet brown leather riveted at the back edge. This exact knife is pictured on pg 128, without sheath, in the book Scagel Handmade, Lucie. 2) Hunter model with 4-3/4″ clip point blade, flat ground with 3-7/8″ back grind. Left side of blade is marked with Mr. Scagel’s trademark kris dagger and his name stamp. Handguard is solid brass. Handle material is stacked leather with red spacers and red, black & silver spacers top & bottom. It has a long pommel of stag or deer antler with an attached nickel silver cap. Accompanied by its orig russet leather sheath made of 2-pcs of leather, riveted together with belt slots in top section & thumbstrap attached with a rivet. This knife is pictured without sheath on pg 118 of referenced publication. CONDITION: 1) Very fine. Blade has 1 small nick in the edge, otherwise is fine with bright polish. Edge has been sharpened. Handle is also fine, showing most of its orig finish. Sheath shows moderate wear with top of belt loop detached. 2) Very fine. Blade shows fine polishing marks and is bright & clean with some very minor freckles. Edge is lightly sharpened with a couple of small nicks. Handle is extremely fine. Sheath is solid and retains most of its orig finish. 49290-11 JR (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2435 |
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3325
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$14,950.00 |
UNIQUE & EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF AMERICAN SILVER HILTED FEDERAL ERA HORSEMAN SWORDS SIGNED BY WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA MAKER JACOB SCHAFFER.This pair of swords along with the next lot in this auction, a silver mounted naval dirk from same Washington, PA estate. They are fresh to the market and a unique highly decorated pair of War of 1812 era American swords. Only one other Schaffer marked sword is known and it has plain blade, undecorated mounts & smaller grip and blade. That example is illustrated on pg 135 of Daniel Hartzler’s Silver Mounted Swords – The Lattimer Family Collection Featuring Silver Hilts Through the Golden Age. 30″ American made blades with single fullers are uniquely decorated with American blue with gold overlay patriotic designs which have never been noted before. Decorations include folky American eagles, panoply of arms and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. Stirrup hilts are marked in cartouche on each counter guard “J. SCHAFFER”. The grips are carved, spirally cut ebony both unique in shape. Pommel caps made without capstan unlike the smaller example in the Lattimer Collection. Scabbards exhibit 3 silver mounts all with unique engraved patterns including patriotic shields, wreaths and an 8-pointed star on one. According to Hartzler, Schaffer worked 1796-1850 and this information is consistent with information found at the Washington County Historical Society which show Jacob Schaffer listed as a silversmith in Washington, PA in 1800, which is a probable date of this sword. Stirrup hilts of this style are typical of the American Federal Era in brass – but so rare in silver. CONDITION: Swords are fine overall. Blades retain most of their orig finish & tool marks with scattered areas of staining. The etched blue & gold panels retain 95% orig bright blue, though the gilted overlay designs are worn and only about half easily discernible though when glinted in light, the unique details are seen. Etched panels are unique to each sword though similar motifs are seen on each. One sword appears to have the date “1783” etched in panel. Scabbards retain all 3 orig mounts and tiny silver carrying rings. Mounts are finely engraved as seen in photos in quite distinct styles from one sword to the other. Even the size and shape of mounts are different showing craftsman’s hand work. Same is noted in the size and shape of hilts, pommels & ferrules. Scabbard bodies are solid but dry, cracking & crazing. There is a large crack between drag & middle mount on one sword. Much of the finish is missing on scabbard bodies. The silver mounts and hilts are as found with dark silver patina. 49516-2 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3325 |
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3326
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$9,200.00 |
UNIQUE & EXTREMELY RARE AMERICAN SILVER MOUNTED WAR OF 1812 ERA NAVAL DIRK.This dirk which is thought to have been made, though unmarked, by Jacob Schaffer of Washington, PA and found with the previous Schaffer marked swords in same estate. This dirk of the earliest pattern which measures 14″ overall with 9-1/4″ curved blade with single fuller like the Schaffer marked sword and has blue & gold decoration. The 4-1/2″ cross-guard terminates in elegant, well formed eagle heads similar in style to a circa 1800 “Rose” American made dirk pictured in Peter Tuite’s US Naval Officer’s – Their Swords and Dirks. Carved grip is made from highly polished bone which was made to simulate ivory which was quite scarce in Federal Era America. The scabbard is solid silver with chased engraved border panels terminating in an unique clam shell shaped finial. Early American silver mounted dirks with eagles are extremely rare. This is the only example known in this design. CONDITION: Fine overall. Blade overall is white/grey with old sharpening, with about 80% of its orig gold decoration and strong traces of its orig bright blue, especially in protected areas of the fuller. Grip is sound, solid, well fit with some wear in hand worn patina to high areas. Scabbard has large dent on reverse about 5″ from tip that does not effect aesthetics. Silver scabbard, hilt & guard have dark silver patina and scattered blemishes as can be seen in photos. Accompanying this dirk are a pair “J.SCHAFFER” (which possibly only one other example exists in Washington County History Society) marked early 19th Century spoons which are overall very good though polished. 49516-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 3326 Click here to view provenance |
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3327
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$0.00 |
RARE AND UNIQUE PAIR OF AMERICAN 19TH CENTURY NAVAL DIRKS.1) This is a very unusual pattern dirk with a smooth cylindrical ivory top, a 9″ curved blade with blue and gold decoration and scabbard has most unusual engraved decoration of an almost 2″ high eagle holding snake in its beak and a snake in its talons. On Eagle’s chest is the American shield with stars and bars. Below eagle engraving are oak leaves and acorns. Cross guard shows 2 eagle heads and opposite quillons. 2) Most unusual small straight Naval dirk with eagle decorations and both quillons of cross guard, large patriotic eagle on blue and gold blade and engraved anchors on scabbard and on brass pommel cap. You wont find a small dirk with this many Naval motifs seen very often. PROVENANCE: 2) Norm Flayderman and Peter Tuite Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: 1) Very good overall. Blade retains traces of blue and gold decoration though etched panels are all easily discerned. Scabbard is sound retaining strong traces of original gold. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip, exhibits 2 hairline cracks with does not affect aesthetics. 2) 5-1/2″ blade retains much of its original gold and blue decoration as can be seen in photos. Scabbard, cross guard and pommel also retain strong traces of original gold with designs easily discerned. Grip is sound and “certifiable antique elephant ivory”. 49382-4 JS IVORY (8,000-10,000) – Lot 3327 |
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3328
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$20,125.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE & FINE EARLY AMERICAN SILVER MOUNTED GUARDLESS “COFFIN HILT” BOWIE KNIFE IN ORIGINAL SCABBARD.Very few of these 1830 vintage American Bowie’s exist. This example is fresh from a Kentucky estate and new to market. It is in beautiful condition retaining much of its orig polish & tool marks to blade. The tooled red Moroccan scabbard is beautifully fit with identical silver mounts to those of knife. Knife measures just over 10-1/2″ overall with 6-1/4″ clip-point blade with 2-1/2″ beveled clip-point. Wood grip is totally wrapped in silver trim retained by silver pins and wood is attached to tang with 4 iron pins. This is no doubt among the very finest early American made Bowie knife extant. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Silver wrap is slightly loose on one side where one retaining pin is missing. There are several dings, dents & scratches on about a 1″ area of this silver strip. Wood grip shows fine hand worn patina with some small scratches & bruises. Blade retains most of its orig polish with areas of staining & pitting. Scabbard is sound and solid with some loose stitching and scuffing to high areas. Silver scabbard mounts and silver mounts to grip have identical grey/silver patinas. 49526-1 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3328 |
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3329
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$0.00 |
FABULOUS AND UNIQUE EXHIBITION GRADE ANTEBELLUM “IXL” BOWIE KNIFE.George Wostenholm was one of the most famous and prolific of Sheffield knife makers. There are numerous examples of his knives and they are referenced in most every book on Bowie knives. Prior to and during the Civil War he was one of the smartest marketeers of Bowies, selling knives world wide. No exhibition quality knives have survived like this example with massive 10″ double-edge spear point blade with unique double ricasso, fully 1/3″ thick at tang. Blade exhibits near mint exhibit etched in 6-1/2″, 2-line panel “GEO WOSTENHOLM & SON MANUFACTURERS OF THE CELEBRATED IXL CUTLERY”. The ricasso is unusually marked on both sides “G. WOSTENHOLM & SON / WASHINGTON WORKS / NONE ARE GENUINE BUT THOSE / MARKED I-XL”. Norm Flaydermann, in his monumental text, The Bowie Knife, had the only other example of this blade form we are aware, however, with a cutlery handle with patriotic U.S. motif in fine but not like new condition like this example. Norm thought so highly of this unique blade form that he showcased the knife on a double-page spread in his book which is the only full double page in his 512 page book dedicated to a single blade. This is a special knife. Not only is it in near mint condition with extra heavy German silver crossguard and beautiful stag slab grips, the orig matching German silver mounting scabbard is also gold embossed “I-XL” PROVENANCE: Displayed as part of the Historic Arkansas Museum “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America” Exhibit. CONDITION: Extremely fine 10″ blade which is 1-15/16″ wide retains virtually all of its orig bright finish and polish, very slight pitting and staining at tip. There is a 1/4″ chip in stag on one side at the top which is well patinaed like rest of grip with several hairline cracks from age. German silver crossguard, escutcheon and scabbard mounts are all smooth with light scratches expected from age. Scabbard body is scuffed with gilt decoration around edges, worn and much missing on reverse side with frog button and I-XL applied in 1-1/4″ panel. 49637-3 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3329 |
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3330
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$19,550.00 |
EXTREMELY FINE MICHAEL PRICE SAN FRANCISCO “CALIFORNIA BOWIE”.Michael Price is no doubt the best known “California Knife” maker. California or San Francisco Bowie’s are all of unique form with form-fitted metal scabbards, belt clips and bulbous grips usually made from marine ivory. Bernie R. Levine tells the best story of Price and San Francisco knives in his 1978 text Knife Makers of Old San Francisco. Michael Price began his manufacture in 1858 exhibiting at the first Mechanics Fair in San Francisco where Price boasted no better steel could be found in any other knife. Michael Price’s handiwork has always been prized and many of his knives saw considerable use whereas this example is in near mint condition, retaining most of its orig polish and a beautiful scabbard. This classic California Bowie measures just over 10″ with 5-7/8″ blade with 4″ beveled top edge of which 2″ of the point was partially sharpened like other examples. Ricasso is marked “M.PRICE / SAN FRANCISCO”. 2-pc “certifiable antique walrus ivory” grip slabs are retained with 3 German silver pins. Scabbard body is of matching German silver with a classic spring-style iron 3-1/4″ belt clip with matching iron patina to 1-5/8″ oval crossguard. This is a fine Michael Price California Bowie which would be difficult to upgrade. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Blade retains much of its orig polish and sharpening with some newer sharpening found scattered on blade with light staining and one area of pitting. Makers mark is crisp and well defined. Walrus ivory grips are sound with two hairline cracks on one side with good patina. German silver has scattered small scratches with intact spring steel belt clip with typical pair of teeth at end of California Bowie’s unique belt clips. 49637-1 JS IVORY (15,000-25,000) – Lot 3330 |
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3331
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$0.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE AND UNIQUE REES CINCINNATI MADE BOWIE KNIFE.The first recorded advertising offering Bowie knives for sale was by Marks & Rees of Cincinnati, Ohio who were known surgical instrument makers. In the October 21, 1835 edition of the Daily Gazette, Marks & Rees offered “… all kinds of Bowie knives on hand, of their own manufacture, finished in a superior style”. Their claim of “superior quality” was not overstated, as is seen in the few examples of their work. The two known examples of Marks & Rees Bowie knives are typical wood handled coffin grips much like the attributed James Black or the unique specimen of a silver mounted coffin hilt also in this sale. Sheldon Kellogg’s 1834-1835 journal (Ohio Historical Society) has entry that reads “…returned with a formidable knife in his hand, saying, “there is something that won’t miss fire –no flash in the pan about that”. He pulled the knife from its sheath and flourishing it about before the admiring eyes of both black and white, said “there, that knife was made expressly for me by Resin Bowie, and you’ll find that its first rate stuff. Accept it from me” with my good wishes for a safe return to Cincinnati”. Sheldon Kellogg’s home was on same road as Marks & Rees according to the consignor. This knife was part of the State of Arkansas Exhibit “A Sure Defense – The Bowie Knife in America”. It was tagged C1837-1850’s, an unusual design by one of the partners in the famous firm of Marks & Rees, makers of early coffin handle Bowie knives. This is the only example bearing his mark”. Rees of Cincinnati was a well known surgical tool maker after his partnership with Marks. Identical mark “REES / CIN. O” is found on surgical tools. A complete set of Rees marked “U.S. Medical Department” Field Surgeon’s Kit is pictured on page 300 of James Edmondson’s American Surgical Instruments: An Illustrated History of Their Manufacture and a Directory of Instrument Makers to 1900. Dr. Edmondson, curator of the Dittrick Museum of Medical History, Case Western Reserve University produced without doubt the best reference on American surgical instrumentation. This massive knife is the only example of a Rees Bowie. It measures over 16″ with about an 11″ blade which is .28″ thick at ricasso with a 3-1/4″ sharpened clip. The blade still retains a near razor edge. The knife is uniquely mounted with a solid, heavy brass hilt with brass threaded finial with matching shaped hexagonal sides at base. Two 3-3/4″ “certifiable antique elephant ivory” slabs which are pinned with six steel pins on either side. Scabbard is tooled leather with German silver mounts and cast brass frog button which fits knife quite well. This is the only known example of this Antebellum and Civil War surgical tool maker who must have made this special order knife for a special client. PROVENANCE: Displayed as part of the Historic Arkansas Museum “A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America” Exhibit. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Blade retains some orig polish though blade has been re-polished with light pinprick pitting seen scattered on areas of blade. Tip was probably a 1/4″ longer, but has been polished to new tip and there are several small nicks in cutting edge. Markings are discernible though the “O” in address is only half visible from polish. Grip and brass handle show yellow mustard colored patina. The pommel which is slightly turned askew has a lighter brass patina. The accompanying scabbard which appears orig and fits well with German silver mounted with a copper patinaed frog button. Leather body is sound and solid with crosshatched decoration not untypical of the Civil War though this knife could be much earlier. Ivory is sound and solid with good patina with numerous small surface scuffs and scratches and a few small hairline cracks. 49637-2 JS IVORY (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3331 Click here to view provenance |
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3332
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$16,100.00 |
RARE “ROSE, NEW YORK” EARLY AMERICAN BOWIE KNIFE.This exact knife is shown on page 115 of Norm Flayderman’s impeccable text The Bowie Knife Unsheathing an American Legend. This knife is in excellent condition and is one of only a handful of maker marked Peter Rose Bowie knives. Rose was a well known surgical instrument maker whose knives are quite rare. Flayderman in his book accurately describes this knife: “Rose/New York are the deep markings of cutler and surgical instrument maker Peter Rose, parallel to the 9″ single edge, clip point blade; sharpened 4″ false edge. Expertly made American Bowie knife, circa 1845. 13-1/2″ overall. Iron crossguard with ball-type finials. German silver, deep fluted shell pommel; tang peened at top. Rosewood grips decorated with 8 German silver pins with high-rounded, stud-like tips, both sides. Thick leather sheath, an old replacement”. This old replacement scabbard that Norm mentions is typical in style of scabbards made during and before the Civil War by use by soldiers and a pair of initials “CA” are scratched with shading into the lower ferrule on obverse of scabbard. PROVENANCE: Ex-Collection Norm Fladerman. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Blade still retains some orig polish with old cleaning, staining & light pinprick pitting. Markings are excellent and deeply struck. German silver mounts are complete though escutcheon on the reverse grip appears contemporarily replaced or re-attached or resized utilizing well patinaed lead rivets or solder. Scabbard is sound and solid though scuffed at high areas, especially on belt loop and at tip. 49637-4 JS (15,000-25,000) – Lot 3332 |
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3333
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$11,500.00 |
RARE ALFRED HUNTER IVORY HANDLED BOWIE KNIFE DATED 1836.This fine Alfred Hunter Bowie knife made in Newark, New Jersey measures 14″ overall with a 9″ clip point blade, virtually identical to an example shown on pg 327 in Flayderman’s The Bowie Knife. Our example has an escutcheon plate inscribed “NC 1836” and also a set of initials inscribed on pommel. This knife has the classic delicately carved ivory grips associated with this manufacturer. Handle is often stated to be decorated with stylized “owl eyes”. Alfred Hunter made a very distinctive early American Bowie and this is a fine example with few examples even coming to market. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade shows old cleaning and sharpening with pitting near tip. “ALFRED HUNTER” deeply stamped on ricasso. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” handle has several large cracks and old glued repair to close cracks. The accompanying matching German silver mounted scabbard is a copy made in the style of Alfred Hunter that fits knife well. 49470-1 JS IVORY (12,000-15,000) – Lot 3333 |
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3335
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$8,625.00 |
VERY RARE CIVIL WAR NAVAL OFFICER’S CUTLASS WITH ORIGINAL SCABBARD.This is a very fine example of the rarely offered (and highly re-produced) model 1860 United States Naval Officer’s with cutout “USN” in fluted basket hilt. These cutlass’s of which only a handful are known are made and marked on ricasso “MADE BY AMES MFG CO. CHICOPEE, MASS”. Opposite ricasso “U.S.N. 1862”. Scabbard is riveted black leather with a finial with raised five pointed star with stippled background. Grip is leather with twisted wire. This is a beautiful example of a rare sword still retaining gilt highlights in fine, sound original scabbard that would be difficult to upgrade. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. 26″ blade is gray/white overall with crisp markings, light staining and pin prick pitting. Grip is sound with scuffing and wear to leather with some reductions though twisted is complete tight and intact. There are several small dents in basket unaffecting aesthetics, strong traces of gilt are found in protected areas. Scabbard is sound and solid and fits cutlass well. Frog is an original US Naval cutlass frog with partially discernable Navy yard markings on reverse. 49382-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 3335 |
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3336
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$9,200.00 |
FINEST KNOWN PATTERNED 1830 US NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD.Peter Tuite in his definitive text US Naval Officers: Their Swords & Dirks describes the rarity of this pattern and the design he shows numerous examples from the US Naval Academy collection and others but none truly as fine as this particular example by a totally unknown maker, til this sword recently surfaced here in Maine estate. The maker is etched on blade “Hamburger & Co / 30 King Street / Covent Garden / London”. This is no doubt the most beautiful of American Naval Sword Patterns and this is an unique and extremely fine example that cannot be upgraded. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: 26″ blade retains virtually all of its bright blue and gold etched decoration, virtually all gold plating is retained on hilt though there is some wear and reductions on high areas, scabbard mounts also retain most of their original gilt though areas of staining and darkening as sword is as found. Scabbard body is sound and solid with some broken stitches, crazing and small chips on sewn side. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip is excellent, slightly shrunken pulling away from back strap with about a 2mm gap. 49382-2 JS IVORY (8,000-12,000) – Lot 3336 |
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3338
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$0.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE & FINE HIGH GRADE AMES “MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA” OFFICER’S SWORD.This sword, Mexican War era, was probably made for an important Massachusetts militia officer with Massachusetts state seal found applied on cross-guard languet and engraved on scabbard below eagle is arm & saber seen on Massachusetts buttons of the era. Hexagonal silver plated, copper grip is unusual with raised relief oak leaves and acorns often seen embroidered on collars of general officers uniforms. A similar example is illustrated in John Hamilton’s The Ames Sword Company 1829-1935 on pg 129 with 1847 presentation. This sword is in remarkable condition retaining most of its orig gold gilt and orig finish and luster to blade. CONDITION: Very fine overall. 30″ double edge blade has 16″ etched patriotic panels on either side and etched mark “N P AMES CUTLER SPRINGFIELD” on ricasso. Blade retains much of its orig luster with areas of dark staining as can be seen in photos. Grip is crisp and sharp with only small traces of silver plate now overall chocolate colored copper patina. Knight-head pommel, cross-guard, languet & scabbard retain 95% of their orig gold plate. Scabbard retains crisp, fine etching including 4-1/2″ panoply of arms and 2″ eagle & shield. 49443-1 JS (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3338 |
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3339
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$9,775.00 |
FABULOUS CIVIL WAR AMES PRESENTATION STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD TO CAPT JOHN WILEY 16TH MASSACHUSETTS.This is among the highest grade Ames staff officer’s swords you will find with solid brass engraved scabbard with 1863 dated presentation on scabbard and Capt. Wiley’s name & regiment on hilt. Capt. Wiley’s sword is accompanied by copies of his service and pension records. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Sword, hilt & scabbard retain 95% orig gold plate. 32″ blade retains most of its orig bright finish & frosting with scattered areas of staining and pitting, especially near tip. Sharks skin grip is worn and chipped at high areas. 49551-1 JS (5,000-7,500) – Lot 3339 Click here to view provenance |
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3340
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$2,850.00 |
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR OFFICER’S SWORD OF CAPT JAMES HENRY OF THE 37TH PENNSYLVANIA WHO WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF 2ND BULL RUN.This unique sword is fresh to the market and just recently from Pittsburgh, PA estate of the descendents of Capt. James Henry. This sword is an unusual, non-regulation brass mounted and brass scabbarded branched hilt sword with pierced folding languet. Sword has shark skin grip & fancy double twisted wire. Blade is etched with patriotic American motifs and scabbard has “PRESENTED TO CAPT. J. G. HENRY BY THE MEMBERS OF CO. A 8TH REGT PRC”. The 8th Pennsylvania Reserves became the 37th Pennsylvania Infantry. Capt. James G. Henry enlisted April 22, 1861 and served the entire war with his company until unit mustered out May 24, 1864 back in Pittsburgh where the unit was originally organized. The regiment saw much action during the war, including the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, VA fought August 30, 1862 where Capt Henry’s company had 52 casualties of just over 90 men engaged including Capt. Henry who was shot through both thighs and also shot through the top of his head, seriously disabling him. It is amazing that Capt. Henry survived, recovered in only a few months and was back in service. Surgeons records (which copies are included) describe the scars left by his injuries. Capt. Henry & Company A’s exploits are found in copies of various records and histories that accompany this lot. CONDITION: Very good overall. This sword no doubt saw service from the numerous small dents & blemishes in scabbard, small bends in hilt. There is a contemporary braised repair to scabbard which is deeply patinaed like the rest of the sword hilt & scabbard with dark chocolate and brown brass patina. There are small drips of paint scattered over surface of sword & scabbard. Shark skin grip is intact as is most of the orig wire wrap, though it is loose in areas. The 31″ blade is grey overall with etched panels, all discernible with some orig luster, with scattered areas of staining, pitting & old sharpening near tip. 49613-1 JS (3,000-5,000) – Lot 3340 Click here to view provenance |
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3341
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$0.00 |
RARE AND FINE AMES MODEL 1849 RIFLEMAN’S KNIFE.You are bidding on a scarce American military knife in very fine condition that is 18″ overall with a massive 12″ blade. This is the second American contracted fighting knife and Ames made this a formidable weapon, longer and heavier than those by earlier contractor, A.G. Hicks of Cleveland, Ohio. The blade is stamped “Ames Mfg. Co. / Cabbotville / 1849″ on one ricasso. The opposite is stamped and inspected “US / WD”. The guard also has two sets of inspector’s initials, “WD” and “JWR”. The regiment of mounted riflemen for whom these knives were made were organized in 1846 at Ft. McHenry. They had the distinction of being the first regular Army unit to be equipped with Colt Revolvers. These were the famous Colt Walkers and Dragoons. This knife is accompanied by its correct brass mounted scabbard and frog. The frog button has inspector letter “D” stamped on it. CONDITION: Blade is grey with pitting and staining. Maker marks and inspector marks are crisp, as are inspector marks in crossguard. Scabbard is sound and solid, several insignificant dents and scratches, overall an extremely fine piece of leather. Scabbard mounts have mustard and green patinas mixed with several dents, especially large one in drag about 1″ from tip. Knife retains orig buff washer. Grip is sound and solid with several small dings & dents. 49622-8 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 3341 |
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3393
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$9,200.00 |
EXCEPTIONAL GEORGIA ARMORY D-GUARD BOWIE KNIFE AND SCABBARD.You are bidding on a fine example of the classic armory made knife associated with the Milledgeville, Georgia Armory. This example has an 18″ clip pointed blade that is 1-5/8″ wide at ricasso. A 3/4″ iron ferrule is located at the base of the wooden grip. The D guard is made from heavy stock 3/16″ iron terminating in a well defined round quillon. This is one of the very few Confederate knives we can definitively identify as to maker. An excellent book by Josh Phillips Confederate Bowie Knives of the Georgia State Armory shows nearly identical examples to this knife with same 4″ tin drag and stitched scabbard with protective metal pin on cutting edge to protect stitches. These knives are scarce with original scabbards and in such high untouched “as found” condition. PROVENANCE: Fred & Nancy Edmunds Collection; Collection of Jim Maconkey. CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. Grip and hilt are very good showing original tool marks with scattered scrapes and scratches. Leather scabbard is sound and solid, retaining much of its original black finish with several indiscernible scratched letters. Leather has shrunk about 1/2″ as can be seen in pictures. There is a 1/2″ hole on top of scabbard, about 4″ from drag. The leather belt loop is missing but a 1-1/2″ remnant is still present. 49442-15 JS3 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 3393 |
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3397
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$7,475.00 |
FINE LARGE LOUISIANA POMMEL CIVIL WAR ERA BOWIE KNIFE.This exact knife is pictured on pg 195 of Norm Flayderman’s The Bowie Knife and described on same page “designed for the Louisianan market and often deemed “Confederate.” handsome, large, 14″ overall, coffin handle Bowie with die stamped pommel embellished with the Louisianan emblem (pelican feeding its young) and 7 stars. 9-inch single edge, clip-point blade; 5-inch false edge. marked on ricasso: “MAZEPPA / S. HANCOCK & SON / PEACROFT WORKS / SHEFFIELD” German silver mountings. Two-piece ivory grips fastened with 4 pins; escutcheon on obverse.” Knives with this same pommel have been excavated from Civil War battlefield sites. This is a rare and seldom encountered design and especially large size originally in the well known Norm Flayderman collection. PROVENANCE: The Norm Flayderman Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade shows old sharpening and cleaning. Markings are fine and well struck. Grip slabs are not ivory (as stated on pg 195 of The Bowie Knife) but actually highly polished bone that exhibit good patina, each with hairline crack and staining. Pommel bolsters are worn through at high areas revealing solder fill with staining. There is a small gap where pommels are bent out. 49470-2 JS (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3397 |
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3398
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$2,875.00 |
FINE & DESIRABLE CONFEDERATE SHORT ARTILLERY SWORD.Fresh to market with impeccable “as found” patina and surface. Classic Confederate short artillery sword thought to be made in Richmond, Virgina 1861-1862. 24″ overall with double edge blade. CONDITION: Fine chocolate colored patina to brass hilt, 18-1/2″ blade is brown overall with staining and pitting. Fresh from Boston area attic – no doubt a captured souvenir of a Union soldier. 49526-2 JS (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3398 |
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3399
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$6,900.00 |
FINE, EARLY WAR CONFEDERATE AMBROTYPE OF SOLDIER WITH MASSIVE D-GUARD BOWIE.The fine sixth plate ambrotype on ruby glass (2.75″ x 3.25″) shows young, bearded private posed in full view with his blockade run English gear including Enfield rifled-musket with bayonet, snake buckle belt & Enfield cartridge box. These English imports were the best arms the Confederacy could obtain and are rarely shown in photography with such a complete set. This young soldier is also wearing what appears to be an imported P. Tait shell jacket and trousers, his kepi resting at his feet. Soldier also proudly brandishes his large D-Guard Bowie Knife no doubt made by local craftsmen possibly in Georgia near Savannah as this image was found recently in Georgia and much of the British blockade run goods came through the Port of Savannah. It would be interesting to know the history of this young soldier so proudly going to war which no doubt he thought would be short and like so many others thought this Bowie knife would be a great weapon in his dreams of hand to hand combat with the Northern invaders. This is a fine, fresh image with wonderful content in very fine condition. CONDITION: Image is fine with several small imperfections in emulsion. Image appears sealed in its protector and has not been removed. Mat & protector are stained with areas of corrosion. Image is housed in the broken back of a Masonic gutta percha case. 49211-1 JS (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3399 |
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3501
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$0.00 |
RARE WW II V-42 FIGHTING KNIFE ISSUED TO 1ST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE.This very rare V-42 fighting knife made by Case Cutlery Company were issued to the first joint American Allied Special Services Unit. The 1st Special Service Force (also called The Devil’s Brigade, The Black Devils, The Black Devils’ Brigade, and Freddie’s Freighters) was an elite American-Canadian commando unit in World War II, under the United States Fifth Army. The unit was organized in 1942 and trained at Fort William Henry Harrison near Helena, Montana in the United States. It fought in the Aleutian Islands, Italy, and southern France before being disbanded in December 1944. This knife is in fine condition with blade measuring 7-1/8″ retaining most of its blued finish in its correct scabbard. Scabbard has soldier’s initials who probably carried knife and the name obliterated above A-23 is almost certainly from The USS OMAHA were issued to crewmen serving on this vessel. There were only 70 of these knives issued to the USS OMAHA. The V-42 was primarily designed by officers of the FSSF, including its commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick, who desired a combat knife that could be used to silently eliminate enemy soldiers as well as perform the role of a close-quarters combat knife. The blade’s design has been attributed to Col. Frederick, who had encountered the Fairbairn–Sykes commando knife while on duty in England. While the V-42 had a double-edged blade similar to the Fairbairn–Sykes knife, the V-42 has a cross section with concave hollow ground blade facets, compared to the Fairbairn with a flat four sided diamond cross section. The Narrower V-42 stiletto blade profile is designed to optimize penetration when used for thrusting, and the V-42 could easily penetrate a G.I. steel helmet and liner with a single thrust. With its relatively thin, narrow blade, the V-42 was designed from the outset for use as a fighting knife, and was consequently prone to breakage when used for utility chores such as opening ration tins or ammunition crates. Unusual for military combat knives of the period, the V-42’s twin edges were double hollow-ground for increased cutting performance. The addition of the skull-crushing pommel was attributed to the input of Major Orval J. Baldwin, the FSSF Supply Officer. The thumb groove on the V-42’s ricasso was designed to promote a flat grip with the thumb over the crossguard, which positioned the double-edged blade horizontally. In this manner a soldier could slash an opponent with either a forehand or backhand stroke, while ensuring that his blade would slip between the ribs when used in a thrust or stab. This is a rare WW II fighting knife that is rarely offered. CONDITION: Knife is very good to fine overall retaining most of its orig finish though point has been sharpened, losing small portion of tip. Scabbard is sound and solid with minor crazing and scuffing and several small cuts in trimmed areas unaffecting aesthetics. 49622-9 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3501 |
