Very Large And Original Confederate Civil “Bowie” Knife Ex. Jim Wells Collection

A Very Large And Original Confederate Civil “Bowie” Knife In Original Tennessee Soldier S. Zink Engraved Leather Scabbard The Blade Made From A Farrier’s File Ex. Jim Wells Collection.

The blade is 13 and 3/4 inches in length still exhibiting striations of the original file. 2 and 3/8th inches wide at forte. Blade is appropriately patinated with sharp edge. Simple steel guard. Curved hilt with thick leather grip panels each secured with 5 large copper head rivets. The leather showing wear from handling but generally good condition.

The riveted heavy original leather scabbard showing age and belt wear in very good condition considering its age. The leather engraved on right side “S, Zink 1863”and “Tennessee” with “stars and bars” Confederate flag. The engraving showing wear and appears to be period as the wear is in the leather and the cuts filled in not recently cut in. Examined under magnification the decoration appears due to age and wear to be of the Civil War period.

Weighing 2 pounds 8 ounces this must have been a terrifying weapon for any Union soldier to behold. In its scabbard it is a rare and desirable Confederate “Bowie”.