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FINE MICHAEL PRICE KNIFE & SHEATH FOR PROMINENT

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
FINE MICHAEL PRICE KNIFE & SHEATH FOR PROMINENT

SAN FRANCISCAN HIRAM A. PEARSONS. Michael Price is the best known early "California Knife" maker. The knife is of San Francisco unique form and walrus ivory grip inscribed “H. A. Pearsons”. 11" Overall, 6.5" upswept blade w/ 4.5" beveled top edge w/ the last inch sharpened. "M. PRICE / SAN FRANCISCO" is stamped on ricasso. Michael Price began his career in 1858 exhibiting at the first Mechanics Fair in San Francisco where Price boasted “no better steel could be found in any other knife”. Michael Price's cutlery has always been prized & most of his knives saw hard use whereas this example is excellent retaining much original polish & wonderful custom scabbard by Jacob C. Johnson, saddle maker listed as early as 1861 in San Francisco city directories, “J. C. JOHNSON& CO. / MAKER / SAN FRANCISCO” cartouche on folding cover. Sheath has sharpening stick in its own compartment. Hiram Pearsons, both father & son were rich members of San Francisco society. Hiram Senior was quite eccentric & several interesting stories can be found in provenance as to what a San Francisco millionaire can do w/ his money. Both father & son died at young ages. Hiram Arthur Pearsons (1860-1889) would drown in Lake Michigan leaving a $3 million estate. This is a fine historic Michael Price California Bowie which would be difficult to upgrade. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: small file of research including biographical information on Hiram Pearsons. CONDITION: fine overall. Blade overall white/gray w/ some original luster & some old sharpening. Makers mark is crisp “certifiable antique walrus ivory” slab grips have age patina w/ well discerned inscription. The original custom scabbard is very good w/ discernible maker’s cartouche, small holes at tips, overall surface discussed in crazed, accompanying 10.5" steel sharpening stick is probably a product of Price also though unsigned. PROVENANCE: pictured on page 137, “Accouterments V” by James R Johnston. (02-15867/JS). $8,000-12,000.