LARGE JOSEPH HOLMES BOWIE, ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK.

Circa 1830s to 1840s large and important Sheffield Bowie. Measures 14 1/2"overall with an 11" clip point blade and a 3 - 1/2" false edge. Left hand side of ricasso stamped, "JOSEPH HOLMES NO. / *I* SMITHFIELD / ARKANSAS .T.". Silver crossguard with raised floral burst. Thick gauge nickel silver hilt with checkered rosewood scales affixed by four pins on each side with left hand silver oval escutcheon. Silver dog bone style pommel with side edges secured under bolster. Russet or brown skirting leather sheath appears to be period to knife and fits perfectly. Silver throat and tooled leather tip. A rare knife with only 5-6 examples known. CONDITION: Very good. Blade shows previous heavy cleaning and edge sharpening with ricasso stamp still legible. Scabbard is solid. Blade Length: 11" Overall Length: 14 - 1/2"