3163 HALF HORSE HALF ALLIGATOR FOLDING BOWIE KNIFE.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Overall length: 12.25", opened. Blade length: 5.5". The blade is marked "W.F. MILLS / 120 HOLBORN / LONDON," a rare London marking on Sheffield-made bowie, but a few London shops of the 1840s contracted Sheffield bowies. Coffin-shaped handle; rosewood slab grips with the most unusual "Latin Cross" escutcheon inset on one slab. Christian motifs are rare on such a weapon as this antebellum bowie. Pommel bolsters are a solder-filled, half-horse-half-alligator motif from Davy Crockett fame. CONDITION: good to very good overall. There is a 1/2" chip in one slab; the blade is dark with sharpening and a slightly rounded point; it has a good maker's mark. Locking latch extension is professional restoration, according to notes, but matches well. PROVENANCE: from the ex-Michael Worley collection, ex-William Myers collection. (02-21095/JS). $4,000-5,000.