3096 FINE “RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE” LIKE THE ONE JOHN

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This item SOLD at 2020 Dec 13 @ 12:39UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
WILKES BOOTH CARRIED AT FORD’S THEATER WHEN HE KILLED LINCOLN. This is a superior example of the large 15” overall “Rio Grande Camp Knife” w/ 10” blade marked “William Jackson / Sheath Island Works / Sheffield”. The original John Wilkes Booth knife hangs in the National Park Service Museum at Ford’s theater today. This was a popular antebellum knife that is not particularly rare except in superior condition like this example w/ crisp markings & original sheath. Most survivors saw hard use losing blade form from repeated sharpening. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: accompanied by hand-drawn card by Mr. Ballard. CONDITION: very good overall, blade is overall gray/bright w/ areas of staining & pitting, several dents in top edge, markings all discernible especially “RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE” which is crisp. Pinned horn slab grips each have large chip at pommel, one side has about 1” replacement. German silver cross guard has slight bend & has matching patina to escutcheon & scabbard throat, German silver tip is missing. Original cardboard sheath has only traces of its thin decorated leather veneer. PROVENANCE: Collection of Roger Ballard. (02-14713/JS). $2,000-2,500.