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Historic David "Davy" Crockett's Bowie Knife Deposited to the Peale's Museum.. ...
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Sold on Jun 19, 2023 for:
$115,625.00
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Description
King of the Wild Frontier.
Historic David "Davy" Crockett's Bowie Knife Deposited to the
Peale's Museum.Approximately 11 1/2-inches; and just about 16-inches overall. Bowie type clip point blade [cut down], brass crossguard. Blade retains a blued and gilt finish as well as the eagle and star motifs which hint at a Federalist Period. A fluted ivory grip adorned by a cast and gilt lion pommel. Leather scabbard, currently in two pieces, one side is smooth, other is textured similar in style to an alligator skin.
19th century museum label attached [glued] to the scabbard reads: "THIS KNIFE WAS PRESENTED TO AND LONG IN THE POSSESSION OF DAVID CROCKETT. IT WAS IN PEAL'S PHIL(ADEPHIA) MUSEUM AND MARKED "DEPOSITED BY &C: [ORIGINAL LABEL LOST]."
This knife must of been deposited in the Peale's Philadelphia Museum. According to the museum website, Peale developed his museum as an offshoot of his portrait-painting business. Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827); Encouraged by family and friends, Peale formally announced the opening of the Philadelphia Museum in 1784 with a display of forty-four portraits that depicted "worthy personages" of America's Revolutionary era. Patronized by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, Peale's museum quickly became a popular attraction. In 1794 it was moved from Peale's home to the American Philosophical Society building, where it remained until 1802, its collections were transferred to the second floor of the Pennsylvania State House, also known as "Independence Hall." Throughout the museum's existence, citizens donated historical relics, like the thimble of Martha Washington (1731-1802), for inclusion in its displays. Visitors could peruse the skeletons, fossils, taxidermies and paintings to their heart's content, accompanied by a well-organized, printed pamphlet. Charles Peale retired in 1810, leaving the museum in the care of his sons, who opened branches in New York City and Baltimore. Managed by Peale's eldest sons, Rubens (1784-1865) and Rembrandt (1778-1860), respectively, these branch museums included the same kinds of exhibits although smaller in number.
It is interesting to examine the way the collector market responds when items owned by famous personages appear at auction. The obvious first consideration is the stature of the original owner. As legendary frontiersman and Alamo martyr, Crockett certainly ranks in the top tier of historic American personalities. The next consideration would be the extent to which the object relates to the qualities which made the owner famous. A pair of candlesticks once owned by Davy Crockett would certainly have appeal, but nothing like that of this knife, he undoubtedly carried with him and used extensively over a long times period. The last consideration is rarity. How many Crockett artifacts have survived in collectors' hands? The answer - very few indeed. An added plus is the Peale Museum provenance, which ranks perhaps second only to the Smithsonian Institution as an early repository of American historical treasures. A very special opportunity for collectors of Americana and edged weapons alike.
Davy Crockett was an American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. He is often referred to as the King of the Wild Frontier. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1827 to 1831, and 1833 to 1835 and served in the Texas Revolution; he died at the Alamo March 6, 1836.
Provenance: Davy Crockett;
Peale's Philadelphia Museum;
Colonel Archibald Loudon Snowden (1835-1910);
Wainwright Family;
Cowan's Auction;
Private Collection;
Current owner.
Condition: Fine for its age and configuration [cut-down from sword]. Blade retains generous amounts on strong bluing and light gilding with the balance, a mottled patina with scattered marks. Crossguard very good, nice aged patina as well. Leather scabbard with moderate to heavy wear, separated. Pommel with age wear, some gilding remains in protected areas. Label intact and good for its age, soiled but with some scuffs and wear. Handle with nice mellow patina, minor imperfections due to aging. 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: 22
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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