Manufactured c. 1829-1845 by Peter Rose, a surgical instrument maker from New York, documented at various locations on William Street during that period. Knives such as this would have been extremely popular during the period of rapid westward expansion and the gold rush, both for utility and defense. These American made Rose knives are always desirable among collectors due to their rarity in comparison to the Sheffield made knives that flooded the American market during the period. This example measures 12 5/8 inches overall with an 8 1/8 inch clip point blade with the Rose marking on the left ricasso ("RO/NEWYO" is visible). The iron guard is elliptical with acorn-like finials, a common feature on Rose knives. Below the guard is a German silver bolster, one piece antique ivory grip with blank German silver nameplate on the right, and a deeply fluted shell-shaped pommel of German silver, also a common trait of Rose's knives. Includes a leather wrapped linen sheath.

Good, the blade showing a grey patina, some scattered light pitting, evidence of filing/moderate sharpening, and the remnants of the marking clear. The guard shows similar patina. The German silver is bright and attractively aged with light dings. The grip is good with some minor age cracking and wear. The period replacement sheath is fair with traces of leather wrapping and extensive wear. An attractive, American made, early 19th century Bowie knife that looks like it has some stories of the frontier to tell!