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FANTASTIC CONFEDERATE “DOUBLE D” D-GUARD BOWIE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
FANTASTIC CONFEDERATE “DOUBLE D” D-GUARD BOWIE
INSCRIBED “YANKEE KILLER”. 24.75” Overall. 20.25” Blade 1.9” Wide. 3” Sharpened top edge at point. Original contemporary etching in large letters in 10” panel: “Yankee Killer”. This is the only example known by a craftsman acid etching what every Southerner was thinking when they went to war w/ similar big knives. This well crafted knife has two knuckle guards at 90° forming the rarely seen “Double D”. “Confederate Bowie Knives” by Melton, Phillips, & Sexton show several examples of this rare form. The unusual leather covered tin sheath of this knife is reminiscent in structure to scabbard found on CS staff sword documented made in Houston Texas. The maker of “Yankee Killer” is unknown but most likely was made in the deep South, maybe Texas, but Mississippi or Louisiana also produced similar features found on this wonderful knife. PROVENANCE: originally from the collection of 19th century missionary near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania who collected “ethnic” knives. There were numerous knives from all over the world, but only 2 Confederate knives. Sold by Stone Mountain Relics about 30 tears ago. CONDITION: very good overall. Blade is mostly smooth w/ dark iron patina. Well defined inscription. Knife is still very sharp w/ several nicks & chips in cutting edge. Oct. carved wood grip slightly shrunk, incised lines cut on reverse side. Sheath is solid & complete w/ brass throat w/ large brass frog button (very similar in construction to those found on naval cutlasses & short swords made in New Orleans). Broken near tip, 4 inches of blade protrudes. (02-14858/JS). $6,000-8,000.