RARE, CIVIL WAR, DAHLGREN SHORT NAVY BOWIE KNIFE BAYONET WITH ORIGINAL LEATHER SCABBARD

$2,795.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 169-577

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Here is a rare, original and very handsome Pattern 1861 Dahlgren bowie knife, often referred to as the Plymouth Naval Rifle Bowie Knife Bayonet. Designed in 1856 by US Navy Admiral John A.B. Dahlgren for use aboard his ship, the USS Plymouth, this twice government-inspected and maker-marked knife replaced the saber-style bayonet is considered to be one of the best designs of the nineteenth century.

Produced for the US Navy by famed arms maker Ames of Chicopee, Mass. in September 1861, this finely crafted edged weapon features an unfullered, bowie-shaped, spear-point blade some 11 3/4” long. The hefty, 3/8” thick steel blade exhibits a minty and untouched, highly polished factory finish. Knife hilt has a one-piece pommel, guard and back strap of heavy brass with a one-piece walnut grip fitted between the pommel back strap and the guard. Brass pommel cap exhibits a fine cartouche “DR” within an oval and all brass has acquired a pleasing, mellow patina. Bottom of walnut grip displays four finger grooves for a positive grasp. Brass hilt is secured by a long brass wood screw vertically transversing the hilt.

Admiral Dahlgren’s own description of this foreboding weapon states, “The special bayonet is a short, broad and stout knife, of the well known bowie patter, the principal use of which I designed to be in the hand in close conflict such as in boarding”. Marked on the obverse ricasso of blade is “USN / DR / 1864” with additional stampings “anchor / P / G G”. DR stands for Navy Ordnance inspector Daniel Reynolds and initials G.G. represent Commander Guert Gansevoort, USN. Reverse ricasso bears the maker’s stamp of “Ames Mfg & Co. / Chicopee ” in crescent form. (Mass. stamping does not show).

The accompanying original and rare leather and brass scabbard is in wonderful condition. Throat and tip are solidly constructed of brass while the sheath portion is of black, bridle leather in strong original condition with no cracking or crazing but it does exhibit areas of minor scuffing overall. Brass throat even retains portions of the original, red velvet cloth liner usually never seen. Throat has its brass belt stud with four brass rivets. Tip has two rivets, is missing two rivets and bears two areas of surface rust pitting. All brass has acquired a pleasing bronze patina.

A rare opportunity to own a truly fine and exquisite piece of Civil War naval weaponry.  [ra] [ph:L]

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