SOLD
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This item SOLD at 2019 Dec 15 @ 15:07UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Important spear point Bowie knife marked “Joseph Hawksley’s celebrated” and period script inscribed “In 1856 Col. Thomas Buford of Ala pledged himself to kill John Brown with this knife. Failing in his purpose he gave it to Clay Pate a noted Border Ruffian to do the work. Pate was defeated at Black Jack and surrendered the knife to Brown. The last time Brown and Mr. Stearne met in 1859, he gave the knife to his friend as having some little historical value”. The historical facts concur with this inscription. Geo Luther Stearns to whom Brown presented this knife was a successful industrialist from Medford, Mass. He was Chief financier of the emigrant aid co. which helped settle Kansas. Also he was 1 of the “Secret Six” who financed John Brown and also established an underground railway station for fleeing slaves in Medford. He bankrolled the purchase of Breecher’s bible Sharps and John Brown pikes. He was instrumental in facilitating recruitment of black soldiers in the Union Army.
Provenance: Elmer Holmes Bobst of Bobst Foundation. Benefactors to cancer research, hospitals and other public institutions. Sotheby New York 14 June 2016.
Physical Description: This knife measures 14 ¼” overall with a 9 5/8” blade with spear point blade and semi coffin hilt with pearl grip. Neatly period inscribed around entire hilt extending unto the pommel. The knife is in very good plus condition with most of its original polish showing just minor erosion and some slight pitting. Completely uncleaned with great patina. Original scabbard with leather hanger or frog which is deteriorated but scabbard is good to very good.
In conclusion we believe this to be among the most important Civil War artifacts ever offered for sale at public auction. Est.: $25,000-$50,000
Auction Location:
1201. W Katella Ave, Orange, California, 92867, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview at Little John's Auction Gallery located at 1201 W. Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867, Saturday, December 14th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
During the Holiday Season there are added surcharges for shipping therefore we will begin shipping for this auction January 4th. Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs including packing, materials, shipping, 2% of invoice total for insurance, custom fee, duty fees, exporter fee etc. International shipments are sent to an exporter. All oversized, extremely heavy & extremely fragile items the buyer is responsible for contacting a third-party shipping company for shipment. We ship Federal Express; we cannot ship to PO Boxes. Post 1898 firearms must be shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensee in your place of residence. All Federal, State and Local Regulations apply and MUST be strictly followed.
Payment Details:
We accept Visa, Mastercard. If prior arrangements made with Little John's Auction Service, we may accept cashier's check, wire transfer, money order. California residents must pay 7.75% sales tax. There is a 3% fee added for credit cards.
Accepted Payment Methods:
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- Master Card
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