Edward Barnes of Sheffield worked with his sons from 1845 to about 1871 when son Isaac took over the company. This is a very good example of one of their knives made for the Civil War American market, specifically the U.S. market, etched prominently on both sides of the blade with scrolling floral motifs and a large U.S. eagle with outstretched wings and the word “VOLUNTEER” in large block letters on a ribbon scroll over its chest.

The grip is white bone, now a soft cream color. The pommel cap, ferrule, and oval guard are German silver. The blade has a clip point with the false edge extending about half-way back along the top blade flat as well. The reverse ricasso is stamped, “Edward Barnes & Sons 233 Solly St. Sheffield” in upper case letters. The obverse grip has a hairline horizontal crack to the grip with a chip at the top next the floral and geometric pommel cap. The reverse grip is good. The blade has a good edge, point, and back edge. Both sides show light scratches overall. The obverse has some deeper scratches about two inches back from the point, near, but not on the edge, and the etching is faint. The reverse has much clearer etching overall and also has the company stamp on the ricasso, somewhat light or rubbed in places, but fully visible.  Measures 9 ½” in overall length; blade is 5 1/8” long and ¾” in width at widest point.

This a very good example of an early-war Bowie aimed at the U.S. military market and the flood of volunteer troops anxious to express their patriotism, and increase their warlike appearance, frequently showing off knives like this in photographs sent to the folks back home.  [SR] [ph:L]

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