3586 GROUP OF FIVE SCALPING KNIVES.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 150.00 USD
Estimated at 300.00 - 400.00 USD
Pictured and described on pages 191-192 in "The Fur Trade". Author, Milton Von Damm: "The scalping knife had a distinct blade shape featuring a fairly straight top edge and a gradual curve on the lower cutting edge. It was cheaper than a butcher knife. The blade was usually 6 to 7 inches long and the handle was wood, sawed 2/3 of its length to receive the blade tang, which was then fastened with 2 or 3 rivets. Most scalping knives were made in England, although they were also a French trade item. This was the most popular knife with Indians. Roachbelly knife marked by Charles Congreve, a Sheffield maker of razors, Bowie and Roachbelly knives between 1829 and 1843. The handle is attached with one brass pin and a round metal disc at the end. The Hudson's Bay Company ordered these knives in large quantities from Sheffield from the 1680's to 1860 and called them a "Roachbury" or "Roachbelly" knife pattern. This pattern had a scalper type curve on the 5 3/4 inch blade and an integrated bolster at the curved handle. The classic scalping knife ordered from about 1750 through the 1800's by the thousands by all trading companies is very rare today because most were either worn out or buried with their owners. This collection is fortunate to have two excavated blades. They originally had wooden handles attached with three rivets. The blades are 7 inches long and are wider than the earlier French scalping knives". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Copy of "The Fur Trade, A History of Arms and Trade Goods" by Milton von Damm. CONDITION: good overall, 2 excavated blades are poor with heavy pitting. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of author Milton Von Damm. (02-22239-4). $300-400.