Edged Weapons
American Use Gold Embossed "US' with Eagle and Shield Leather Silver Tipped Sheath with Blade by Mappin Brothers
c. 1852, American Use Bowie Knife with Decorative Patriotic Sheath, Blade by Mappin Brothers, Sheffield, England, Choice Extremely Fine.
This impressive choice quality Bowie Knife measures about 15.5" overall with a 10.5" x 1.5" blade made by Mappin Brothers, Sheffield, England. Decorative expensive natural white material grip and a Silver hilt add significant value and eye appeal. The blade is in excellent original condition, hallmarked "Mappin Brothers Queens Cutlery Works" with a "Sun" trademark. This decorative bowie knife is extremely well made and very solid. Its original leather sheath is completely intact, measures about 11.5" long and 2" wide, of rich black leather with a 3" German Silver tip and Silver upper. Its Sheath is decorated with a wonderful Gold-Gilt embossed patriotic "US' with American Eagle and Shield in its talons with floral designs below on the outer portion. Only light wear from use to the sheath, the blade fits perfectly and is in exceptional quality with a pleasing light even natural patina. Overall, of museum quality and worthy of a fine collection. A nice Bowie of this age & era.
Mappin Brothers, Sheffield, England is a well know family firm, reportedly founded in 1810 by Joseph Mappin. Their "Sun" trademark was granted in 1835 by the Cutlers' Company. The firm was not known as "Mappin Brothers" until after 1852 when all four of Joseph Mappin's sons had joined the company, after his death.
It was a year earlier in 1851 that they opened the Queen's Plate and Cutlery Works on Baker's Hill, bound by Little Pond Street and Flat Street. In 1859 there was an argument between the brothers and both the eldest son, Frederick, and the youngest, John, left the company. Frederick Mappin became a politician and was a director of many Sheffield companies.
Mappin Brothers continued under Edward and Joseph Charles Mappin and acquired central London showrooms in 1856 and 1861 on King William Street at London Bridge, and Regent Street. By doing this they claimed they were the only Sheffield cutlery manufacturer to sell directly to the customer in London. The company was later bought by Mappin & Webb and incorporated into their sales and manufacturing structure.