Wragg & Son, Sheffield "The Pioneer" Etched Bowie Knife with Sheath
Manufactured by Wragg & Son of Sheffield, England c. 1845-1850. It measures 12 inches overall with a 7 5/8 inch clip point blade, in which the false edge is very long and shallow. The blade is elaborately etched on the left side with a panel centrally featuring a banner marked "THE-PIONEER" backed by floral motifs and the left ricasso is marked "WRAGG&SON/38/FURNACE. HILL/SHEFFIELD". The guard is thin elliptically shaped German silver, antique ivory grip scales, and a lion and floral designs on each side of the pommel which appears to be cast pewter. Includes a lightly tooled red leather sheath with German silver fittings.
Very good, the blade mostly bright with a scattered patches of light pitting mixed with a darker grey patina, and the etched panel and edge both mostly crisp. The German silver and pewter both show an attractively aged patina and the grip scales show minimal handling evidence. The sheath is also very good with moderate wear and a split seam in the false edge area.
