Product Details
F W JAMES, SHEFFIELD
A RARE LARGE BOWIE KNIFE WITH AN 1881 EXHIBITION 'CROCODILE' HILT
early 20th century but composed of earlier parts, with 12 3/4in clip-point blade, the forte stamped 'F W JAMES', the blade etched with 'THE UNITED STATES THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE PROTECTED BY HER NOBLE AND BRAVE VOLUNTEERS' and 'AMERICANS ASK FOR NOTHING BUT WHAT IS RIGHT AND SUBMIT TO NOTHING THAT IS WRONG' to either side of a panel containing an American eagle, the top edge stamped with two 'Wostenholm' trademarks, brass 'S' shaped cross-guard,and ivory hilt carved in the form of a stylised crocodile's head of the type featured on G Wostenholm's 1881 exhibition pieces (slight tarnish marks to blade, old age crack to hilt, no scabbard)
Estimate £100-150