Active in the early 1800s, Peter Rose of New York was a surgical implement maker and cutler, competing against the bladesmiths of Sheffield, who were more than happy to cash in on their reputation as a top blademaking center of Europe to pump as many fighting and utility knives into the American market as the Yankees could handle. Measuring 11 7/8 inches overall, the blade is 7 1/2 inches with a slightly curved spine 4 3/4 inch false edge, no ricasso and "ROSE/NEW YORK" stamped on the left side. The oval hand guard and ribbed hilt fittings are German silver, with a smooth gently contoured horn grip and a "rattail" tang extending clear through to the pommel. The blade does not fill the oval handguard properly, most likely assembled. The sheath is iron construction, fitted and profiled to match the blade contours, with an integral iron lip and a ball-shaped frog stud.

Poor as assembled, most likely a reproduction. The blade shows a well aged mixed artificial brown and gray scaly patina, with the tip slightly rolled to the right, mild dings along the edges, and scattered heavier spotting. The hilt shows similar age-appropriate wear, with a number of dings and scuffs. The sheath is in similar condition to the blade. A fine example of a vintage American-made bowie knife.