3122 EXTREMELY RARE & FINE “DEATH TO ABOLITION” JAMES

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This item SOLD at 2023 May 14 @ 11:58UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 12,500.00 USD
Estimated at 25,000.00 - 45,000.00 USD

ROGERS BOWIE KNIFE. 14” overall, 9” clip point blade etched in large script panel: “DEATH TO ABOLITION”. One of the earliest motto’d Sheffield knives and among the most historic and iconic messages seen on antebellum American Bowies, its etched sentiment being culpable for starting the Civil War. Very few “DTA” knives exist with this script style and floral background motif. An 1838 anti-slavery broadside is known to exist with a drawing of this same motto on a blade, but with block lettering as seen on most examples. Blade is stamped on ricasso “JAMES ROGERS / CELEBRATED / MAKER. SHEFFIELD”, heavy cast German Silver grip with German silver pinned ivory slab grips, German silver escutcheon, sculptured cross guard, and clamshell pommel. Its original and rarely seen German silver, relief repousse sheath fits knife perfectly. This is a great opportunity for those with a keen interest in collecting Confederate. Its script motif, fine high-polish blade condition and complete scabbard offer a rare opportunity to add to any exceptional collection. CONDITION: One of the finest of the “DTA” knives this writer has seen. Fine overall, blade retains 90% original polish and lustrous etching with areas of black staining and blood pitting. Point worn. Maker’s mark and etched panel are crisp and complete. Ivory slabs sound and well fit, a small ivory chip on each side of one slab pin. The original embossed German silver sheath still retains its composite lining, which is almost always missing, frog button still attached, minor small dents and stains. (02-19433/JS). $25,000-45,000.