ANTIQUE EARLY SHEFFIELD 1830s SAMUEL MASON NOTCHED BOWIE KNIFE ORIGINAL SHEATH

Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE RARE EARLY BOWIE KNIFE BY SAMUEL MASON WITH ORIGINAL SHEATH: C. 1830-1844. This fine knife is hallmarked on the Ricasso (near the guard): Mason / SheffieldSamuel Mason, at age 11, began as an apprentice to Joseph Mappin in Sheffield, England, and by 1838 he was established as a knife maker there. In 1844 he emigrated to the United States and began Mason & Son in 1872 in Canton, Ohio. So this knife was made in Sheffield before 1844, most likely in the early 1830s.The Moroccan leather Sheath: the earliest Sheffield knives were made by wrapping cardboard with Moroccan leather, and were therefore very fragile. It is amazing that this sheath survived, though there is wear to the leather on the tip and a little on the top and bottom edges (see photos). I think the metal is nickel silver. The Handle: Made of horn. There is some damage to the horn on one side near the guard and a small amount on the other side right near the tang. On this latter side, near the end of the handle, are 3 carved notches; this is not random damage; these were purposely carved. (see photos) The Blade: The edge looks really good to me, with no damage. There are spots of rust here and there. No bends or breaks. (see photos) This fine knife is 11 3/8" long. The horn handle is just under 4" long and 1/2" thick. The blade is just under 7 1/4" and the clip, or drop point, is about 3 7/8" long (the curved part). The guard is solid brass. The sheath is about 7 1/8" long. I am not an expert, so if you have questions please ask and I'll do the best I can.

Price: 1550 USD

Location: Denver, Colorado

End Time: 2024-11-27T21:19:25.000Z

Shipping Cost: 30 USD