R. Bunting & Sons Bowie Knife:
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Here is an extremely rare (possibly the
only one known to exist in diminutive form) dog-bone Bowie knife. It is
marked in three lines on the ricasso “Manufactured, R. Bunting & Sons,
Sheffield” and just below spine of knife it is stamped in saw-tooth
cartouche “W. Greaves & Son” (a New York retailer). I have owned 5 and
handled many of the dog-bone Bowies that exist. Most are stamped “W
Crown R”, W. Butcher, Sheffield. I know of only about 16 to 18 that
exist (surely there are more in the woodwork). Most of them have hafts
that are from 4 ¾” to 5” long and blades that were (originally) from 8”
to 9 ¾” long. This particular knife is in diminutive form with the
handle being only 4” long and the blade about 7.5” including
cross-guard. I believe that these R. Bunting and W. Butcher dog-bones
are the first examples of Sheffield manufactured knives to make it back
to America, that were influenced by the craze of Jim Bowie and his sand
bar duel. They almost always sport ebony scales (reference Bowie No 1
and similar early made American Bowies). This style knife is again one
of the earliest large style Bowies from Sheffield being massed produced
(If you can call a few dozen Mass). A real classic knife sporting period
brass sheath, feels stout and meaty in the hand, a real killer, in every
sense, fresh to the market. $11,500.00. |
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Bowie Knife:
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Rare
ca 1840 Alfred Hunter Bowie Knife. This is the exact knife that was in the
collection of famed Bowie Collector William R. Williamson. This knife sold in
1997 and is pictured in the Butterfield and Butterfield auction catalog (Mr.
Williamson's entire col) of 1997. It is described and photographed full color on
page 12 and 13 of the catalog and is in the company of 18K (a W Butcher) and 25K
(James Rodgers) Bowie Knives. This knife sold in 1997 for just under $7,500.00
and was considered a steal at the time. At the time most Alfred Hunter Bowies
realized 16K to 20K+.
Lot number 3516 describes the knife..."American Bowie Knife by Alfred Hunter.
Newark, New Jersey, Crca 1840. The 8 1/4" inch clip point blade with 3 inch
false edge. Ricasso stamped Alfred/Hunter. German silver crossguard, ferrul,
side straps, escutcheon and pommel cap. Coffin style roseworrd grip. No sheath.
Length overall 13 7/8". Condition: Excellent. Gripwith hairline crack. Note:
Illustrated on page 20 of the 1974 edition of Knife Digest. Est. $4,000/$6,000."
Sold $7,475.
Overall a blue chip maker whom migrated from England and likely apprenticed
there. Once in American Alfred Hunter became a very prolific maker with
longevity. He likely arrived in America circa 1828 in Newark New Jersey and
moved to New York around 1836 where he continued to make knifes until
approximately the mid 1860's. This knife is likely one of his earlier knives,
very well made and overall a classic desirable collectible. If you ever wanted a
classic American Bowie, or just wanted to add quality to your collection, it
would be difficult to top this one, especially knowing the provenance from where
it came and also that it is picutred in 1974 and 1997 in prominant Bowie Knife
reference books. I have owned, bot and sold several Alfred Hunter Bowie knives
over the years. This one is still a steal at $12,500.00. |
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1840's Ivory Coffin handled Bowie Knife:
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"1840's Ivory Coffin
handled Bowie Knife" made by W & S Butcher a very rare size and make extra nice
knife with the coffin style handle. This knife has been used but not abused too
bad, well unless you only buy pristine mint then you might consider this one
abused. As for me this knife can tell a better story than a pristine mint knife
so it really talks to me. I have more photos and will be glad to send them to
truely interested buyers. Price $2,600.00. |
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Tomahawk pipe axe:
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Tomahawk
pipe axe. Early Eastern style with pewter and nickle silver inlays, a fabulous
file branded haft, and head with engraving. This Pipe Tomahawk is pictured on
page 31 in full color of "Tomahawks, Pipe Axes of the American Frontier" by John
Baldwin. It is one of the best examples extant. The head from bit to bowl is 6
1/8" long and the haft is about 14" long. The iron head has some of the finest
workmanship and embellishment. This one is as good as they get. POR |
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