The Edward Barnes & Sons firm were in operation in Sheffield, England from around 1833 to 1888. They were known as a large manufacturer of bowie knives, especially for the American market during the Civil War, many of which bore designs and slogans to encourage (or take advantage of) American patriotism. This example is 12 3/8 inches long overall with a 7 1/4 inch clip point blade with a shallow false edge. The left side of the blade is nearly entirely covered with an acid etched panel that prominently features an American eagle, "THE AMERICANS CHOICE", and "MANUFACTURED/BY/EDWARDS BARNES/& SONS/SHEFFIELD". The left ricasso is marked "U[star]S". It is fitted with a plain elliptical German silver guard and an ornately cast silver plated ferrule at the top of the original grip which is a molded synthetic material. Includes a brown leather sheath with gold "U[star]S" and border, and German silver fittings.

Very fine, the blade mostly bright with a few scattered patches of light pitting and crisp etched panel. The German silver and silver show an attractive lightly aged patina. The grip is fine with a hairline age crack, minor chip on the pommel, and otherwise light handling marks. The sheath is fine with some mild wear and a short seam split on the spine edge.