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".

Fine 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.