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  • Auction Catalog #88
  • Lot #1131
Lot #1130
Lot #1132

Lot 1131: Thomas Short Jr. Sheffield "For Australia" Etched Bowie Knife

Very Unique Thomas Short Jr. Sheffield "For Australia" Etched, Coffin Handle, Half Horse-Half Alligator Bowie Knife with Sheath

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2023

Lot 1131: Thomas Short Jr. Sheffield "For Australia" Etched Bowie Knife

Very Unique Thomas Short Jr. Sheffield "For Australia" Etched, Coffin Handle, Half Horse-Half Alligator Bowie Knife with Sheath

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 20, 2023

Estimated Price: $2,250 - $3,500
Price Realized:
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Very Unique Thomas Short Jr. Sheffield "For Australia" Etched, Coffin Handle, Half Horse-Half Alligator Bowie Knife with Sheath

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 2110
Item Interest: Average
Catalog Page: 110
Class: Other
Description:

This unique and attractive knife was manufactured by Thomas Short Jr. of Sheffield, England likely around the mid-late 19th century. It measures 11 5/8 inches overall with a 7 1/4 inch drop point blade that is etched on the left with floral patterns and the slogan "FOR Australia" in a banner, indicating that this knife may have been made to take advantage of the booming knife markets created by one of Australia's many gold rushes. The left ricasso is marked "THO. SHORT JUN/SHEFFIELD", much of which is obfuscated. The guard is German silver and cast with a relief steer head on each side and the pommel is the classic coffin shaped half-horse half-alligator, between which is a small, smooth pearl grip scale on each side. A very similar example by Short Jr. is pictured on p. 239 of "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" by Adams, Voyles, and Moss. Includes a plain leather sheath.

Rating Definition:

Good, the blade mostly a smooth grey patina with some scattered patches of light-minor pitting and the etching somewhat light. The German silver shows an attractively aged patina overall and the grip scales have a few scattered hairline age cracks. The sheath is fine with mild wear.



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