Product Details
GEORGE WOSTENHOLM & SON
A STAG-HORN HILTED LARGE BOWIE KNIFE, MODEL 'THE CELEBRATED CALIFORNIA KNIFE'
mid 20th century, with 9 1/2in clip point blade, false edged for 51/2in at point, the forte stamped 'G.WOSTENHOLM & SON, WASHINGTON WORKS, NONE ARE GENUINE BUT THOSE MARKED IXL', the blade etched in gold with 'GEO. WOSTENHOLM & SON'S CELEBRATED CALIFORNIA KNIFE' and stamped with four trademarks, scalloped back, nickel-silver cross-guard,and stag-horn 'coffin' hilt with nickel escutcheon (slight storage marks to blade, no scabbard).
Provenance: This and the following eleven lots were the property of the cutler F.W. 'Freddy' James. James had spent much of his working life prior to 1971 with the firm of George Wostenholm & Son. When the firm's Washington Works were demolished he set up business with his wife and fellow cutler Sandy Lowe.
It is thought that James assembled the Wostenholm knives after he had established his own firm. His work was held in high regard and for a time, it is thought, he supplied knives to best London gunmakers, Holland & Holland, which were given as presents to their clients.
Estimate £100-150