Important and Rare Massive Etched Blade Early Bowie Knife, with Inscription ''George Young His Dagger 1825,'' with Brass-Mounted Blind-Tooled Leather Scabbard, the Blade Signed S.E., ca.1825

The double-edged spear pointed blade measuring an impressive 18 1/2-inches; overall length 27-inches; 3-inch blade width, 1/8-inches at thickest point. The blade finely shaped, and profusely etched with foliate scrolls and thistle motifs, and a 6-inch cornucopia; etched inscription within riband on left side of blade: ''George Young His Dagger 1825.''. Rare presence of signature, ''S.E.'' within etching on the iron Maltese cross style crossguard with rounded edges. The single piece grip appears to be of elk horn, secured by an iron rivet at the pommel. The blind-tooled leather scabbard is embellished with four distinctive floral and geometrical motifs, and trimmed with three escalloped brass mounts; the high quality leather is neatly stitched together at the back from one piece. An eyelet on the throat and the center mount allow for attachment to a hanger from the user's belt. Scabbard overall length: 18 5/8-inches.

Condition: Fine; blade with light and spotty surface blemishes, and some nicks on edges front striking. Iron crossguard brown with patina, and some pitting; dark patina to pin securing grip to tang. Crack in grip on one side only. Scabbard very good to fine, with patina and wear; some of surface of leather has flaked off; patina to brass.

Note: George Young, though unidentified, is likely to have been an American. Note reference to ''His Dagger,'' much like inscriptions on frontier American powder horns: ''His Horn.'' Massive etched blades of such elegance and complex design are extreme rarities; the presence of an etcher's signature is also extremely rare. Accompanied by folder of background information. Literature: Illus., Rick Mack, ''George Young and His Dagger 1825,'' Antique Bowie Journal, Winter 2001, p. 12.

Provenance: Robert Abels Rick Mack Bryan L. Bossier, Sr.

Estimate: $5000 - $7000

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