It is because of the shape of the handle is distinctive from the other knives of the day. This one is very similar to the one illustrated in the Bowie knife armed soldier photograph section of the Confederate Bowie Knife book by Sexton, Melton and Phillips. On page 265 it shows the young Rebel with his knife on his side. This massive knife measures 19-1/2 inches in overall size with the blade making up 14-1/2 inches. The blade has the clip point design with the finely crafted false edge on top.
The original iron crossguard is intact with a pleasing look. The handle of the knife uses a brass piece for the ferrule which is the piece on the grip closest to the crossguard.It also has the brass cap that is screwed onto the dark wood handle. The handle is original with a old repair to the wood. The knife is accompanied by the original brown leather scabbard with the gorgeous ancient untouched color that has aged to a reddish color. It has the simple yet attractive tool work line around the edge. On the back of the scabbard it has the original stitching going down the center of the leather.
This is a wonderful piece that just screams Dixie from a historic collection. The item "CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE LARGE BOWIE KNIFE COLLECTION OF LEWIS LEIGH OF VIRGINIA" is in sale since Thursday, May 9, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Edged Weapons". The seller is "rachelemandelgallery" and is located in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
This item can be shipped worldwide.