Rare and Exceptional Antique Folding French Bowie Knife by Vauthier, c.1840

A large, 17 7/8" overall length in the open position, and weighing 1 pound 2 ounces. The ricasso of the 12 5/8" long x 3/16" thick x 1 1/16th-inch wide blade is hot stamped VAUTHIER RUE, DAUPHINE No 34 in two lines, and the location PARIS in a small circle to the right of the name. The blade has a 3 1/2" false edge, no nicks to the edge, a long, sharp, full tip, and has never been sharpened. It also has almost the entire original crocus of iron polish on the blade. The 8 7/16" portion of the 12 5/8" blade extending beyond the lower of the two cross guards when the blade is in the closed demonstrates that this is a large and formidable weapon, even in the closed position. The blade locks in the 12 5/8" long open position with a typical French-style ring release. In the closed blade position, the blade locks securely, and is released by pressing a German silver oval release button in the middle of the ivory grip scale. The large 3 5/8" long x I 3/16-inches wide x 3/16-inches thick ivory scales are exceptional, original to the period with no chips or cracks, with beautiful age patina that only comes from 150 years of natural aging and oils transferred from handling. Each scale has a carved three-dimensional raised center panel secured by six German silver pins, with iron liners. The mounts of this fine folder are typical French iron bolsters, with the early 1830's Sheffield-style double crossguard at both ends of the hilt. The Master pin and lock back release ring are iron, as are the four-crossguard quillons with median ridges that are shaped by hand filing. The integral top bolster, crossguard, and lock back release are engraved on both sides with about 20 very fine hand-chiseled line engravings. The fine original sheath is rarer than the knife, as almost all were lost over time and are missing. The sheath is constructed of hand carved wood, and is covered with select-grained leather with embossed borders on both sides. The edges of the iron throat and tip are scalloped and the original large belt stud intact. The sheath tip with chisel-engraved ball finial with a swirl pattern.

Condition: Near mint. It has never been sharpened, only lightly carried, and is among the finest French folding Bowie knives in existence; and is in 100% original and untouched condition. The sheath is near mint with minor spotting and patina to mounts.

Note: This is an early, rare, and near mint, unsharpened extended blade, lockback folding Bowie knife with carved ivory scales by the early and noted French maker VAUTHIER, circa 1840; possibly a little earlier. Very few antique French knives are maker marked; and the ones that were marked were usually of the best quality made by a few well-known manufacturers. In the 19th century there was little law and order, and it was "every man for himself". Men were constantly at risk of being waylaid by thugs, and typically carried a single-shot cap and ball percussion pistol or brace of pistols for self-protection. As a back up weapon they would usually carry a folding knife in their pocket, vest, or a side knife on their belt. This belt worn style of extended blade Bowie was introduced as an alternative to the then popular sword cane carried as a self-defense weapon. This unusual French extended bladed Bowie knife was designed primarily as a self-defense weapon. However, it could also be used as a large hunting knife with more functionality in the field when used as a camp knife or for dressing large game. Thus, it had more appeal than the similar (and equally rare) thin bladed dirk style extended blade Sheffield dirks of the 1830's that could only be used for stabbing and slashing as a self protection back up weapon. Even then the "bigger is better" rationale prevailed. A man with a large heavy Bowie knife like this would have a distinct advantage, and could possibly deter an assault from a would-be assailant with a sword cane or a smaller knife.

Estimate: $10000 - $15000

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