^Lot 604 Very rare Bowie knife with original silver throat inscribed "Battelle knife" on front and engraved

Very rare Bowie knife with original silver throat inscribed "Battelle knife" on front and engraved "made by Fred F Hassam, Boston" on reverse. The knife measures 11-1/2" overall, 7-1/8" spear point blade measuringnearly 1-1/2" across ricasso with raised median ridge; iron crossguard, silver engraved throat as mentioned, and horn grip with silver plated over brass scabbard showing large belt hook. The point haschipped slightly, the blade shows some pitting and erosion, but is generally good overall; the scabbard shows a dent and 50-70% dark original plating with a great patina. This California style knife has anassociation with the Committee of Vigilance of San Francisco, where Battelle was one of the infamous founders. This is 1 of only 3 known to sophisticated collectors. Est.: $6,000-$12,000