^Lot 4385 MASSIVE IVORY GRIP NEW ORLEANS MADE CONFEDERATE

BOWIE KNIFE. 20" overall, 14.75" clip point blade with choil. This exceptional knife and its accompanying scabbard are both documented in prominent publications, featured and described on page 143 of James Johnston "ACCOUTREMENTS V". Additionally, the knife is pictured on page 237 of "CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIVES" by Melton, Phillips, and Sexton, where it is identified as a Louisiana Naval Side Knife. The knife weighs over 2 pounds and is very well-balanced. Other than large well sculpted ivory grip, another remarkable structural characteristic is the massive forged bolster, which is over .5" thick, rapidly tapering saber ground blade with sharpened 6" clip, large 6" shaped cross guard.This knife was discovered in New Orleans, which supports the idea it was manufactured there. An almost identical example is noted and illustrated on page 228 of Norm Flayderman "THE BOWIE KNIFE: From Confederate Bowie Knives", it is noted: "While it is true that no elephants lived in the South, many pre-war seaport manufacturers had ample access to imported ivory, a common material in early 19th-century sword hilts. This fabulous heavy Louisiana-style knife was likely made in the New Orleans region. The substantial one-piece carved elephant ivory grip has a brass pommel cap. Genuine Confederate knives such as this rarely display ivory grips. Obviously, the manufacturer was making a statement on style, as well as utility. The heavy iron guard gives this knife a cutlass look, and we believe it may have a naval association". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copies of pages pictured in the 2 texts cited. CONDITION: very good overall. Blade, guard, and pommel cap have iron patina with scattered staining and light pitting, nicks & dents on top edge of blade, point slightly rounded. Brass ferrule has toned patina and the massive elephant ivory grip has honey colored patina with age cracks. The added brass mounted European military scabbard is very good and complete with frog. PROVENANCE: Compton Labauve Collection; James R. Johnston collection. (02-26005/JS). NON-GUN. $12,000-15,000.