Premier Fine Art & Antiques Auction
August 29, 2023
Below is just a small portion of the massive selection of high quality art & antiques to be featured in our upcoming August 29th 2023 auction! This auction will span multiple genres of collectibles, including Fine Paintings & Art, Jewelry & Silver, Orientalia, Rare Glass & Lamps, Early & Victorian Furniture, Decoys, Carvings, Coin-Op, & MORE!
Extremely Rare & Fine “DEATH TO ABOLITION” James Rogers Bowie Knife
02-19433
14” overall, 9” clip point blade etched in large script panel: “DEATH TO ABOLITION”. One of the earliest motto’d Sheffield knives and among the most historic and iconic messages seen on antebellum American Bowies, its etched sentiment being culpable for starting the Civil War. Very few “DTA” knives exist with this script style and floral background motif. An 1838 anti-slavery broadside is known to exist with a drawing of this same motto on a blade, but with block lettering as seen on most examples. Blade is stamped on ricasso “JAMES ROGERS / CELEBRATED / MAKER. SHEFFIELD”, heavy cast German Silver grip with German silver pinned ivory slab grips, German silver escutcheon, sculptured cross guard, and clamshell pommel. Its original and rarely seen German silver, relief repousse sheath fits knife perfectly. This is a great opportunity for those with a keen interest in collecting Confederate. Its script motif, fine high-polish blade condition and complete scabbard offer a rare opportunity to add to any exceptional collection.
