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Magnificent American Themed Bowie Knife By Thomas Turner, Sheffield, C. 1845...
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Description
Magnificent American Themed Bowie Knife By Thomas Turner, Sheffield, C. 1845 Originally part of the iconic William R. Williamson Bowie knife collection, and deemed by Williamson to be one of his finest knives, the knife was sold in the Butterfield Auction of Williamson's Collection in January 1998. The knife is also featured, and illustrated on Page 8 of the rare exhibit catalog of October 1979, published by La Commission des Avoyelles, Avoyelles Paris, Louisiana, titled "Bowie Knives / Origin & Development" a rare copy of which accompanies the knife.14" overall with heavy 9" clip point blade with sharpened 4 1/2" false edge. The blade is in superb condition displaying most of the original luster with one small dark area of sat and peppering and one equally small dark area with a tiny patch of light pitting on the reverse, the obverse being about perfect. The blade exhibits on the reverse the light but fully legible legend on the upper middle flat in 3/16" letters "KENTUCKY", that actually appears to be lightly die stamped rather than etched. As noted, exhibits some wear and somewhat light, primarily from the knife being moved in and out of the scabbard but fully legible. Marked on the reverse ricasso "Thomas Turner & Co. / Sheffield" German silver cross guard with scalloped finials. The entire hilt cast of German silver and quite heavy. A 1/4" bolster at the top with 3/8" side straps. Ivory plaque grips fastened by six German silver pins on each side with German silver 2" scalloped escutcheons pinned and inlaid in the center of the grip on both sides. Grip with some small age hairlines and a few very small chips, but very sound with nice mellow patina. Massive scroll decorated clam shell like pommel with decorated base. Near perfect with nice light patina and just a few tiny, really negligible shallow dents along the bottom edge.
The exceptional heavy leather scabbard is delicately and fully embossed on both sides with exquisite quality scroll work along with cornucopias, birds and a large torch at the top. Scabbard near perfect with just a few minor ''ripples' on the reverse. Scalloped edge German silver throat with round frog stud and magnificent curved 2 3/8" fluted German silver tip which is perfect.
Certainly one of the finest and most visually striking Bowie knives we've ever offered, recognized and accepted, since it originally surfaced, as one of the rarer and more important Sheffield knives extant.
Estimate: $30,000 - up.
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