The lot features a George Wostenholm & Son Washington Works IXL large bowie knife with coffin handle and silver hilt that is nicely marked. The knife shows the traditional large bowie clip point and false edge with thick stout spine that is stamped on the left side, just below the spine, “G. Wostenholm & Son Washington Works None Are Genuine But Those Marked IXL” alongside a Bald Eagle and I*XL at the ricasso. George served as Master Cutler to the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in 1856. Sheffield lost one of its most famous sons, George, who died in 1876, but his legacy lives on and Wostenholm is still one of the world's most instantly recognizable knife brands to this day. The original design of this knife originates from circa 1830-1850’s, with many being highly engraved as the “California Knife”. The bowie was created by G. Wostenholm during the 19th Century and later recreated in the 1940-1970’s. The knife does not match the markings found on recreated knives from the 1940-1970’s, but is more similarly matched to earlier examples. The knife shows a coffin shaped hardwood grips, likely rosewood or walnut, set with silver pins and showing a blank engraving plate of silver. The knife also shows a very thick, heavy spin that is set with engraved brass bolster linings and finished with a thick silver hilt or cross guard with fancy design. The knife has a spotted dark gunmetal patina. The age and originality of the knife is unknown. The knife measures overall 14 3/8” long, with a blade that is 9.5” long by 1 7/8” at it widest point. The hilt is 3 3/8” wide and the knife overall is 1 1/8” at it thickest when lying flat.