*British Made for US, c1877, Very Large Clipped Point Bowie Knife, Made by Yeoman & Son Cutler St Sheffield, Commissioned by Wells Fargo Express Company ‘For Service to the American People 1852-1877*
Marked blade (no ricasso): “Yeoman & Son, Cutler St, Sheffield”, “For Service to the American People 1852-1877 Wells Fargo Express Company”
Marked on the Obverse: “Warranted, Sheffield”. An image of a steam train. “Yeoman & Son, Cutler St, Sheffield”. Logo of CS.
Marked on the tang: “WF & Co 37”
Approximate measurements: blade 26.5cm, 40.5cm overall, 10cm cross guard width
Yeoman & Son Clipped Point Bowie Knife. Heavy blade with etched presentation inscription ‘For service to the American people 1852-1877, Wells Fargo Express Company’. On the obverse an etched image of a steam train, the Yeoman & Son details and a large CS logo which may represent Cutlers Sheffield above Warranted Sheffield. Brass crossguard, staghorn hilt with 5 rivets and German silver pommel, full exposed tang. This knife is likely to have been made between 1877 and 1918 when the Wells Fargo Express Company name ceased to be used. This is a huge knife as was likely made for display, although useable as a knife it seems likely that this Bowie was never made to be carried and is correctly without scabbard.
Background:
Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William Fargo to provide banking and express services during the California Gold Rush. Initially, the company specialized in transporting gold, mail, and freight via stagecoaches across the West, earning a reputation for reliability and security.
As the U.S. expanded and demand for faster transportation grew, Wells Fargo began shifting to steam railways in the 1860s. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 was pivotal, allowing the company to transport goods and money more efficiently. On October 4, 1869, Wells Fargo acquired the Pacific Union Express Company, leading to the establishment of the first Transcontinental Express line, which used over a dozen railroads. By 1877, Wells Fargo had become a leading express and banking company, leveraging the railways to expand nationwide and grow far beyond its stagecoach roots.
In 1872, the company adopted the name “Wells Fargo Express Company” to reflect its focus on the express transportation of goods, money, and mail. This change coincided with Wells Fargo’s growth through consolidation and partnerships with other express companies, positioning it as a dominant player in the U.S. express shipping industry. With the railway system fully embraced, Wells Fargo connected rural and urban areas across the country, solidifying its national presence.
The name “Wells Fargo Express Company” was phased out in 1918 when the U.S. government, during World War I, consolidated the country’s express companies into the American Railway Express Company to streamline transportation for the war effort. After this consolidation, Wells Fargo ceased its express operations and focused primarily on banking, marking the end of the “Wells Fargo Express Company” name.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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