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A Rare Joseph Holmes No. 5 Spearpoint "Arkansas Toothpick" Bowie Knife.. ...
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Sold on Jun 19, 2023 for:
$15,625.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
"The Real Ripper", Ex. William R. Williamson Collection.
A Rare Joseph Holmes No. 5 Spearpoint "Arkansas Toothpick" Bowie
Knife.16 3/4-inches overall [out of scabbard]. 11 1/2-inch spearpoint blade marked on both sides of ricasso JOSEPH HOLMES NO. 5 / [cross] SMITH FIELD SHEFFIELD / ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK. Silver crossguard with raised floral burst. German silver hilt with nice scales affixed by four pins on each side. Raised double-diamond raised escutcheon on both sides. Rare knife and rare maker. Contained in red painted scabbard with gold color design/pattern. Circa 1837. Together with a 1970 dated, 8-page article [photocopy] from the American Society of Arms Collectors titled: The Real Ripper written by William R. Williamson [owner of one of the greatest knife collections ever assembled] discussing the Bowie Knife. This knife appears in the article along with many other examples from Williamson and other collectors; It reads: 6. "Arkansas Toothpick'' stamped under name of cutler. Joseph Holmes - 5 Smithfield- Sheffield. A large knife with 11-1/2" blade. German silver hilt with Ivory scales made circa 1837. An outstanding example of early spear-point Bowie. Author's collection.
Please note: This knife was offered and sold in 1997 as part of The William R. Williamson Bowie Knife Collection, lot 3730 [no scabbard at the time]. Photocopy of the lot page included. The historic Butterfield and Butterfield auction which featured the collection of Mr. Williamson. As stated in the catalog then; "Bill was, without question, America's foremost proponent, authority , scholar and collector of Bowie knives."
Provenance: William R. Williamson Collection.
Condition: Very good as presented. Blade with scattered pitting present and evidence of cleaning. Residue of red marking numbers near ricasso often seen in collection designation. Verdigris present. Crossguard wobbly. Replacement scabbard good, with moderate wear, separations and discoloration; visible repair. Collection of a Southern Gentleman.
Auction Info
2023 June 19 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6271 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2023
19th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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