Antique Bowie Knife

[Shotgun Steve]

Antique bowie knife from 19th Century 19 1/2 inches long with clip point blade and brass mounted stag grip. Blade is 13 1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch thick. Very tight.

One characteristic of antique Bowie knives is the "Clip-point" at the top of the blade, which brings the tip of the blade lower than the spine for better control. As the goal is to produce a sharp, stabbing point, most Bowie knives have a bevel ground along the clip, typically 1/4 of the way, but sometimes much further running the entire top-edge. This is referred to as a "false edge" or a "swedge" as from a distance it looks sharpened, although it may or may not be. Regardless of whether or not the false edge is sharp, it serves to take metal away from the point, streamlining the tip and thus enhancing the penetration capability of the blade during a stab. The version attributed to blacksmith James Black had this "false edge" fully sharpened in order to allow someone trained in European techniques of saber fencing to execute the maneuver called the "back cut" or "back slash". A brass quillon was attached to protect the hand, usually cast in a mold. -wikipedia

[Messerist]

Very nice!  Any idea who made it?  Thanks for sharing.

[Dave Cole]

Great looking knife Steve.Thanks for posting .Dave

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[The Elderly Kid]

It looks American-made, without the refinement of a Sheffield product. Probably an early specimen, 1830s-40s. Excellent find. I love the earlier, US-made knives.

[Dr. Bob]

The ferrell and quillon look like they were made from stock rather than cast.

[KidTerico]

SS you sure show some nice knives. KT