Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1058

Lot 1058:Shipman 'Supberb(sic)' Crystal Palace Bowie,in Flayderman's Book

April 14th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1058

Lot 1058:Shipman 'Supberb(sic)' Crystal Palace Bowie,in Flayderman's Book

April 14th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$3,000 - $5,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Fine W. Shipman "Supberb"(SIC) Brand Sheffield Bowie Knife with Crystal Palace Themed Decoration and Sheath, as Seen in Flayderman's "The Bowie Knife"

Constructed c.1852-1853, the New York Crystal Palace was the host building for the 1853 Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations. Patterned after the London Crystal Palace, the New York building was of iron and glass construction, and featured a prominent 100 foot dome. The Crystal Palace was lost to fire in 1858. The knife measures 14 1/2 inches overall, with a 9 1/2 inch long blade featuring a prominent clip, "SUPBURB(sic)/W.SHIPMAN/SHEFFIELD" on the left ricasso, and a prominent etched panel on the left side featuring the Palace with the text "AMERICA/NEW YORK EXHIBITION 1852", as well as some floral etching. Some traces of niter blue finish are present on and around the ricasso. Fitted with a German silver crossguard and a one piece stag handle with a German silver collar and cap. With a black leather sheath, fitted with a small belt hook on the back of the throat. This knife can be seen on page 416 of "The Bowie Knife" by Flayderman; in the book Flayderman speculates that the knife may have been made for display or sale at the Exhibition, and that the work may have been rushed, hence the misspelling of "Superb".

ConditionFine overall. Most of the fine blade has turned a smooth, bright gray, with darker spotting concentrated along the edges, light scuffs/sharpening marks, and traces of the niter blue. The etching has faded, but is still legible with proper lighting. A small amount of play is present in the guard, which has some dark spots, and the grip is solid. The sheath is fair, with some touch-ups and repairs of the leather, tearing around the tip, and mild scuffs and dings on the metal.
Details
TypeOther
ClassOther

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1517
Catalog page33
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3086Sheffield Bowie Knife with "Old Zach" Decoration and Sheath
View Lot
Lot 185Documented James Rodgers Sheffield Bowie Knife with Sheath
View Lot
Lot 1490Randall Model 12 Little Bear Bowie Knife with Sheath
View Lot
Lot 3574Randall Model 12 Sportsman's Bowie Knife with Sheath
View Lot
Show More