Sold for $1,200

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Cutlery Hilt "Californian Bowie" Etched Panel Knife by Edward Barnes

6.675" clip point single-edged Bowie blade with 3" false edge and .375" choil. 11.375" in overall length. 4.75" German silver cutlery hilt with 2.15" oval German silver cross guard. Reverse ricassso marked EDWARD/BARNES & SONS/226 SCALY ST/SHEFFILED. Reverse of blade etched with a nearly full length flowing foliate scroll panel that reads CALIFORNIAN BOWIE in a ribbon. The knife is accompanied by a red Moroccan leather scabbard with German silver mounts and embossed decorations with gilt highlights. The upper mount is missing the frog button and is engraved on the reverse with what appears to read From/C.G. Finch/to/H.S. Searle.

Several men with the first initial "H" and last name "Searle" served in the Union Army during the Civil War, although none are listed with the middle initial "S". There was a "Charles G Finch" listed as a private who fought in 91st Indiana Infantry during the war, enlisting on August 12, 1862 and dying on March 28, 1863. Further research may prove fruitful.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition Report

Very good. Blade with some polish and retaining most of the etched panel, although the panel shows some wear and loss. Blade with scattered surface oxidation showing some freckled age discoloration darkening. Hilt with scattered bumps and dings. Scabbard with moderate surface wear, some finish loss, moderate loss to the gilt highlights and dings to the mounts. Frog button missing from throat.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

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