Schively Bowie Knife with Statesman Henry Clay and Davy Crockett Provenance

Description:

Schively Bowie Knife with Statesman Henry Clay and Davy Crockett Provenance, c. 1830, silver pommel, grip pins and washers, and guard, checkered horn grip, unmarked steel blade, scabbard with silver fittings, engraved on the obverse of the throat "T.B. Watkins/1858" and on the reverse "D. Crocket 1830" with foliate designs scratched in, blade lg. 10 1/2, overall lg. 15 1/2 in.

Provenance: Given to Henry Clay by Davy Crockett, from Clay to his half brother and through his line until donation to the Bedford Free Public Library, Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1972; deaccessioned in 2017.

Note: This knife has been the subject of articles in Blade Magazine, August 1988 and December 1990, and was displayed in the 2013-14 exhibition A Sure Defense: The Bowie Knife in America, at the Historic Arkansas Museum.
Estimate $20,000-40,000

Grip has a few small worm holes, the blade is in good condition. The scabbard is in good condition with some cracking on the leather.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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