Huge Vintage Bowie Knife by Reuss & Company.

A large old bowie knife with thick hard wood scales to the coffin shaped grip, inset with a brass cartouche. It has brass guard and a good heavy gauge steel blade which has been etched with an image of the Colt 1851 Navy revolver and the words “God Did Not Make Men Equal – The Persuader – Colonel Colt Did”. There is also a stamped mark of a Skull and Cross Bones near the ricasso.
This was the mark of John Crossland 1812 – 1882. He was a maker of some quality in Boston Street Sheffield. He supplied many different Bowie type knife to both sides during the American Civil war, using his Sheffield status to improve his business overseas. When he died the works was past on to his son Frederick Moulson Crossland 1857-1921, he carried on the business until 1900 when the trademark Skull and Cross Bones was sold to Percy Albert Reuss 1872-1956 of Reuss & Company Sheffield. But with problems trying to supply the German army during the great war the firm was liquidated in 1922, and as far as I can find, the skull and cross bones mark was lost, but his own ‘Mazeppa’ trademark was sold on.
This knife is in very good condition but could be improved with just a light clean and wax. It comes with its original leather scabbard which would do will with some polish.
It measures 17 inches long in scabbard,
Shipping to UK mainland only, proof of age required on purchase

Code: 30264