US Civil War Era c.1850–1870, Alexander Sheffield Export Bowie Knife with Bone & Mother-of-Pearl Grip and Leather Scabbard

*US Civil War Era c.1850–1870, Alexander Sheffield Export Bowie Knife with Bone & Mother-of-Pearl Grip and Leather Scabbard*

A large and visually impressive mid-19th century Sheffield export Bowie knife, bearing the “Alexander Sheffield” mark and closely reflecting the powerful fighting knives produced in Sheffield for the American market during the Civil War era and the height of the American frontier period.

The blade is of powerful Bowie form with a long clipped point and broad profile, giving the knife the dramatic appearance typical of the large fighting and camp knives carried in the United States during the mid-19th century. The ricasso is clearly stamped “ALEXANDER SHEFFIELD”, a mark historically associated with the American cutlery importer Robert H. Alexander, who marketed Sheffield-made knives to the American market during the mid-1800s.

The hilt is fitted with polished German silver (nickel silver) furniture, including the guard, pommel and ferrule. German silver was widely used on quality Victorian cutlery as it provided the bright appearance of silver while offering greater strength and durability. The grip is formed from natural bone or horn scales and is decorated with an attractive blank German silver escutcheon, a traditional feature intended for the engraving of the owner’s initials.

The knife is accompanied by a leather scabbard fitted with decorative rope-style woven fretwork, a striking presentation style often associated with exhibition or high-grade Sheffield knives intended for export to America.

Also included is a Britannia Commemorative Society Ltd (BCS) presentation case, which provides an attractive display option though it is likely a later addition rather than original to the knife.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 27.4 cm. Overall length: 40 cm. Blade width at widest point: 4.8 cm.

History Note:
During the mid-19th century Sheffield, England was the world centre of Bowie knife production, supplying thousands of knives to the American market. American merchants frequently commissioned Sheffield manufacturers to produce knives carrying their own brand names for sale in the United States.

One such importer was Robert H. Alexander, a New York cutlery merchant active between roughly 1850 and 1876, who marketed Sheffield-made knives under the “Alexander Sheffield” name. These knives were exported to the United States during the era of westward expansion and the American Civil War, when large Bowie knives were widely carried as fighting knives, sidearms and camp tools.

Sheffield Bowie knives became iconic symbols of the American frontier and Civil War period, combining British manufacturing expertise with the dramatic styling demanded by the American market.

*Condition*
The knife remains in very good overall condition. The blade shows light surface marks consistent with age and handling but retains a strong edge and clear maker’s mark. The German silver fittings display minor patina and small areas of tarnish consistent with age. The bone or horn grip scales remain secure. The leather scabbard remains structurally sound with its decorative woven sleeve present and showing some age-related wear. The Britannia Commemorative Society presentation case shows handling and storage wear and is likely not original to the knife. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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