*British, 1882, Victorian Silver Mounted Bowie Knife - "The Knife That May Have Saved a Queen", Made in Sheffield*
Blade: 24cm clipped back steel blade, etched foliage, stamped “V R” with crown
Overall length: 14 inches (36cm)
Hilt: Antique bone grip with hallmarked silver mounts and cross-guard, Sheffield 1882, “JB” mark (John Batt)
Scabbard: Silver-mounted green leather, gilt-stamped “VR Crown 1882” with decorative border
A rare and evocative Victorian Bowie knife, possibly presented to one of two Eton schoolboys personally thanked by Queen Victoria following their courageous intervention during the foiled assassination attempt on her life in 1882.
This striking private purchase officer’s hunting and fighting knife features a 24cm clipped-back steel blade, finly etched on one side with scrolling foliage. The hilt is crafted from antique carved bone, elegantly mounted with hallmarked silver fittings dated Sheffield 1882, with the maker’s mark “JB,” likely for John Batt, a known Sheffield silversmith of the period.
The knife measures 14 inches (36cm) overall, with a prominent silver marked cross-guard and a deeply embossed, hallmarked leather scabbard. The green leather sheath features rubbed silver throat and chape mounts, with one side gilt-stamped “VR, Crown over 1882”, surrounded by a geometric border—suggesting a commemorative or presentation origin.
Historical Context:
On 2nd March 1882, Queen Victoria survived her eighth and final assassination attempt. As Her Majesty was departing Windsor Royal Station following her return from London, a mentally disturbed man named Roderick Edward Maclean fired a shot at her open carriage. The bullet missed, and Maclean was immediately tackled by two nearby Eton College schoolboys, Gordon Wilson and Leslie Murray Robertson. Both boys were publicly thanked by the Queen, who acknowledged their bravery in her journal, calling them “stalwart and brave lads.” Maclean was later declared insane and confined for life.
While definitive provenance is not available, the unique combination of the date and presentation-quality craftsmanship strongly suggests this Bowie may have been awarded in recognition of this very act of heroism.
*Condition*
Generally very good condition. Blade exhibits age-related patina. Some denting to the silver top of grip. Scabbard with minor wear and rubbing consistent with age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
