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FINE & RARE CONGREVE ANTEBELLUM HORSEHEAD FOLDING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
FINE & RARE CONGREVE ANTEBELLUM HORSEHEAD FOLDING
LOCKBACK BOWIE KNIFE. 11.75" overall opened, 5.25" clip point blade marked with crown over "C. CONGREVE / SHEFFIELD" on ricasso. Ivory slab grips, German silver mounts including iconic figural horsehead over cannon with anchor pommel. Charles Congreve was listed in the Sheffield directories from 1833 until 1841. According to W. R. Williamson's "IXL Means I Excel", Congreve became George Wostenholm's agent in New York in early 1849. Congreve's name appears on fine Bowie knives but is rarely observed on folding knives. Steve Miller in his article in The American Blade, volume 1, Number 2, shows similar knife that has stag handle. CONDITION: very good overall, markings are crisp, gray blade with sharpening, staining, handle has nice toned ivory patina, cracked at lock lever pin. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Custom protective sleeve. PROVENANCE: Larry W. Williams lifetime collection 1976. (02-23257/JS). NON-GUN. $3,000-4,000.