LARGE J. WALTERS CALIFORNIA KNIFE BOWIE.

Circa 1850 Sheffield made knife for California Gold Rush market. Measures an impressive 17" overall with a 10 - 3/4" blade and a 4 - 1/2" false edge. Left hand blade panel is fully acid etched with vine patterns and 'CALIFORNIA KNIFE'. Ricasso stamped 'J. WALTERS & CO. / SHEFFIELD / GLOBE WORKS'. 4 piece mother of pearl scales with a coin silver crossguard and die stamped grape and vine throat with a buck and doe bulbous pommel. Period correct, gold embossed, Moroccan leather sheath with silver throat and tip. CONDITION: Very good. Blade shows heavy cleaning, light sharpening to the edge, but most acid etch visible from cross polish to tip. No nicks to the cutting edge, and handle is tight to tang with no wobble. Blade Length: 10 - 3/4" Overall Length: 17"