3173 CONFEDERATE MCELROY “LASSO” BOWIE KNIFE.

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This item SOLD at 2021 May 23 @ 12:54UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
William J. McElroy of Macon, Georgia was a prolific Confederate mfg. of edged weapons. One of his most unique weapons is attributed from an 1862 Macon Telegraph newspaper article; “… We were shown a specimen of what is called the “LASSO KNIFE”. The blade is from 12-16" w/ a solid brass handle, to which is attached a rope. It is designed for throwing at the enemy, & it is a “deadly weapon” in the hands of skilled men…”. This is among the most unique edged weapons of the Civil War. Heavy solid cast brass handle as described. This example is the newest in our survey of about a dozen numbered “III”, other roman numeral assembly marks are as high as “XXX”. Originally, made w/ a longer blade, but it has been trimmed to 10.25", but is still well balanced & formidable w/ a 0.41" thick blade. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: pages 127-134 of “Confederate Bowie Knives”. CONDITION: good overall. Heavily patinaed. Crack in pommel. Blade has heavy iron patina w/ old sharpening. (02-14997/JS). $2,000-3,000.