Large**John Nowill & Sons, Sheffield Bowie knife With Stag Antler Hilt Scales & Scabbard. Sn 23389 Knive

**Large**John Nowill & Sons, Sheffield Bowie knife With Stag Antler Hilt Scales & Scabbard. Sn 23389 - 23389

The Nowill familly are recorded as Sheffield cutler's since the 16th Century. The family traded under various names and Trademarks until John Nowill acquired the 'crossed keys' trademark in 1842. John Nowill retired from the business in 1847 - three years before his death on 24 October 1850 and the name of the business adopted the 'Nowill & Sons' name. Nowill & Sons made FS Commando Fighting Knives for the British War Dept. In 1947 the Sheffield cutlers F. E. & J. R. Hopkinson Ltd acquired the assets of John Nowill and Frank Mills and used their names & trademarks when making knives (see page 242 of the Sheffield Knife book By Tweedale). This is a large Sheffield made Bowie Knife. It has a 10 ½” long deep swept single edged, Bowie blade which is 1 ¾” broad at its widest and measures 16 ¼” overall. The spine of the blade is 6mm thick. One side of the blade has a shallow fuller. It is marked at the ricasso 'J. Nowill & Sons Sheffield England Established AD 1700’ together with faint cross keys trademark, alongside ‘Bowie’ signature. The cutting edge of the blade has no damage. The blade has areas of staining consistent with age. It has a heavy brass cross guard and heavy brass pommel bolsters. The undamaged Stag antler scales are undamaged and are secured by a row of brass pins including central large brass pin on both scales. It is complete with its brown leather open top scabbard with single large belt loop. All leather and stitching of the scabbard are clean & intact. The price for this impressive Bowie by a renowned Sheffield Cutler includes UK delivery. Sn 23389

£375.00