Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George Wostenholm firm of Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility around 1848, perfectly positioning themselves to deal with the demands of the American market which exploded during the period of western expansion and the Civil War. This massive example measures approximately 15 1/2 inches overall. The drop point blade measures 10 1/8 inches and has the Wostenholm Washington Works address, an eagle, The Hunters Companion, and I*XL markings all on the left side of the blade. It is fitted with an elliptical German silver guard, a stag antler grip with a slight curve, and a German silver cap on the pommel. Includes a red dyed sheath with gilt filled border decoration and I*XL marking, as well as German silver fittings at the tip and throat. Also includes an assortment of George Wostenholm & Sons advertising material.

Very fine, the crisp blade mostly bright with some scattered patches of patina/spotting and a few minor nicks in the edge. The German silver shows an attractive lightly aged patina. The grip is excellent with some light handling evidence. The sheath is fine with some mild wear and attractively aged patina on the fittings. A massive Wostenholm Bowie knife in fine condition that shows evidence of genuine period use!