Sheffield Bowie Knife

[Shotgun Steve]

Super Rare shell pommel Ivory hilted Sheffield Bowie Knife. This is one of the best Bowies sold at the 1997 William R William Butterfield and Butterfield auction. It is photographed in color full page (94 +95) with description that read as follows... "Bowie Knife by Thomas Turner, Sheffield, Circa 1845. The 9 inch clip point blade with 4 1/2 inch sharpened false edge. Ricasso stamped Thomas Turner & Co/Sheffield and with Turner's trademark. Left blade flat retains traces of etched legend KENTUCKY. Cast German silver hilt, crossguard, pins, double escutcheons and scallop shell pommel. Ivory grip scales. Leather sheath embossed on both sides. German silver throat and fluted tip. Length overall 14 1/8". Condition: Excellent overall with a few light patches of pitting and two aeas of deeper pitting. Several age cracks to scales on both sides and with two livers missing on reverse scale. Note: Illustrated on page 8 of Bowie Knives Origin and Development, October 1979, La Commission des Avoyelles, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana." This knife is one of the absolute best that I have ever seen by Thomas Turner. It is one of only a handful that have this hilt style with the shell pommel. Overall it is a fine Bowie. There is now a minor missing chip on the face side of the hilt in the Ivory. The rest of the knife and sheath are in great condition. The fluted tip on the sheath is also a rare and desirable feature. $25,000.00

[The Elderly Kid]

Another beauty. Sharpened clips are rare on Sheffield bowies. Is it known whether this one came sharp from the maker, or was sharpened later by the owner?

[Shotgun Steve]

 Kid there was no more information on the auction site other than what I posted.
I sure wish there was because I would like to know wether it was sharpened at the factory
or if it was done by the owner myself.

 Shotgun Steve

[Advertising]

[Dr. Bob]

What a beautiful knife.  Got to wipe the drool off my shirt!