Manufactured c. the mid-1800s, this is a unique example of a presentation knife from the golden age of the Bowie knife. Through the exploits of Jim Bowie, knives such as this one had become extremely popular, both for self defense and as a status symbol. The knives reached the peak of their popularity around the 1860s and 1870s, right around the date of the inscription on the grip of this example. The inscription on the grip reads, "Presented to/Sni. Superintendent/R.B. Hayes/Pikes Peak Office/Wells, Fargo-Exp. Co.-/May 17th. 1872." Information about R.B. Hayes or Wells Fargo's Pikes Peak office is scarce; however' it is likely related to the overland express route that had initially been operated by the Leavenworth City & Pike's Peak Express Company, which later became the Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company, which played a major role in establishing the Pony Express. The company and Pony Express routes were operated successfully for several years before issues with government contracts being paid forced the company into severe debt and eventually to be sold in early 1862. The company was bought for $100,000, a fraction of its assessed value, by Ben Holladay, who incorporated the routes into his own Overland Stage Company. Holladay's company operated the routes for about four more years before he sold all of his routes to the Wells Fargo Express Co. for $1.5 million. It is possible that Hayes was presented this knife in recognition for taking over and operating the express lines in the Pikes Peak area for Wells Fargo. The knife itself is massive, measuring 17 3/4 inches overall with an 11 1/2 inch clip point blade with a nicely scalloped spine. The left of the blade is etched with "Sharpe Justice" and the "OLD JUDGE" trademark featuring a judge in a powdered wig is on the left ricasso. The guard is German silver with ball shaped finials. The grip is antique ivory, featuring the inscription on the left, and the pommel relief carved in the form of an eagle's head fitted with glass eyes.

Fine, the blade is mostly bright with some light spotting scattered throughout and crisp etching/markings. The German silver is bright. The grip is also very fine with an attractively aged tone, some scattered light handling marks, and mostly crisp inscription. A very attractive Bowie knife with an inscription connecting it directly to the history of the Western Frontier!