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RARE CONFEDERATE STATES ARMORY, KENANSVILLE, NC

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
RARE CONFEDERATE STATES ARMORY, KENANSVILLE, NC

CLIP POINT BOWIE KNIFE. 14 7/8” blade, 1 5/8” wide, .25” thick, 4” beveled clip. Sheet iron D-guard x 1.75” 3.5” oval crossguard, 7/8” knuckle bow. All the classic measurements of rare bowie made at Louis Froelich’s Confederate States Armory. Clip point referred to as “artillery knives” in Confederate Ordnance records where the double edged variety were labeled “artillery cutlasses”. There have been only a handful of this variety documented. This example came from Vermont estate, a souvenir of the war brought home by Capt. Charles E. Abell,14th VT. It has been in family of descendants since Civil War. At some point the wood grip was replaced. Charles E. Abell (1836-1913) Enlisted as private in Co. H, 5th Vermont Volunteers, Sept. 4, 1861; discharged from service for disability Jan. 20, 1862; reenlisted as captain of Co. D, 14th Vermont Volunteers, Aug. 29, 1862, fought at Gettysburg and returned home July 1863. Very possible this was souvenir from this last battle. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter of provenance from consignor, well researched showing Abell’s position opposite 29th NC at Gettysburg. Modern leather sheath used in 20th century when grip replaced for use. CONDITION: very good overall, iron patina, repeened when new wood grip added, knuckle bow bent. (02-17806/JS). $3,000-5,000.