W&S BUTCHER BOWIE WITH ACID ETCHED MOTIFS ON BLADE.

Early Sheffield Bowie with 5" false edge and very faint acid etch on blade, 'ARKANSAS TOOTHPICK' in square panel surrounded by flowing vine patterns. Maker is William Butcher, Sheffield, England. Stamped on left hand side of blade "MANUFACTURED / BY W & S BUTCHER / SHEFFIELD". Ivory coffin shaped scales under a nickel silver crossguard are held by 7 silver pins with silver escutcheon on the obverse. Important example and early evolution of this type of knife. Retains a fantastic silver throated Moroccan leather scabbard with seldom seen metal reinforcing band in the middle.This exact knife is pictured on pg. 74 of 'The Bowie Knife' by Norm Flayderman (2004). CONDITION: Very good. Blade has been polished with light discoloration spots observed throughout. No nicks or dings to cutting edge. Blade Length: 7" Overall Length: 11"