Civil War Era Bowie Knife

[Lew]

Hi All

This is my latest addition. A 1860s era Bowie knife these knives were produced in India by very skilled blade smiths for export to the confederate states during the American civil war. This is a lovely example marked ARNACHELLUM SALEM the 9.5" blade is very clean or has been cleaned and only has a few minor nicks in the edge. All the fittings are steel and the hilt is a nice piece of sambar stag. The scabbard is original and is leather covered wood with a steel retaining clip. Let me know what you think?


Lew

[Tim Simmons]

Most impressive, shipped to the CSA by the British no doubt. I believe the British rather hedged thier bets on the outcome for some time. Very interesting. Tim

[Rich]

These are great knives (I've two of them - one exactly like this);
HOWEVER, Flayderman's book (bible of bowie collections) says they
were not likely in the US until late 19th or early 20th C. They
are tiger hunting knives, made for the Brits while occupying India.
Returned to England and then made their way to the states
late in 19th C or early 20th C. While possibly made
as early as mid 19th C, not likely to be used in US civil
war. Regardless of exact history, still very well made knives
deserving a place in collection IMHO. There was also an
article in one of the Knives Annual some time back about them
with a couple having carved silver and/or ivory handles. Personally
I love them. Nice find.

Here's mine. Sorry for poor pics, just quickly cropped from
a larger group pic.

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinpic/india.jpg

Rich S

[Lew]

Rich

You are correct I did a little research and they were first used by the Brits during the later 1800s 1870-1890s as hunting knives. Still a nice looking knife and a great piece of cultery history.

Lew