North America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial period, ca. early 19th century CE. A fine side knife known as a bowie knife used by Spanish soldiers during the colonial period of Mexico. The forged-steel blade features a sharpened edge beneath a tapered, diamond-shaped spine, a shallow dip just above the point, and a thick tang. The tang is fitted first with a petite hand guard with triangular quillons and then a lathe-turned wooden handle topped with a baluster-form pommel. The blade's dense shoulder suggests this knife was a multi-purpose tool rather than an instrument used strictly for death. Size: 2.5" W x 16" H (6.4 cm x 40.6 cm); (blade): 10.875" L (27.6 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired in 2020; ex-James Covell collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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#155281

Handle repaired from a few large pieces, with a couple of stable fissures and very light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to blade and handle. Nice patina throughout.