*British, Victorian - Dated 1886, Sheffield Presentation Bowie Knife by E. Etres & Co., Hallmarked Silver Mounted, Ivory Grip, Horse Head Pommel, Original Scabbard & Oak Case with Ivory Exemption Certificate*
An exceptional and highly theatrical late-Victorian presentation Bowie knife, the blade stamped for the scarce and apparently unrecorded Sheffield maker or retailer E. Etres & Co., and firmly dated 1886. This substantial and richly appointed example combines romantic Victorian sentiment with high-grade Sheffield craftsmanship, retaining its original leather scabbard, fitted oak presentation case, and UK Ivory Act exemption certificate.
The broad clipped Bowie blade is deeply etched within recessed fuller panels with the mottoes “Call on me, in Time of Need” and “You will find a Friend in deed,” both remaining especially crisp and legible. The blade profile retains excellent definition throughout, with a sharp clipped point, broad cutting edge, and substantial spine typical of quality late-19th-century Sheffield Bowie production. The ricasso is stamped “E. ETRES” together with “PP 1886,” firmly anchoring the piece to the Victorian period. Traces of original gilt highlighting remain visible within the upper etched recesses, further enhancing the knife’s decorative presentation quality.
The hilt is mounted with a finely carved ivory grip exhibiting beautiful cream-toned aging and prominent natural grain lines with stable age cracking entirely consistent with authentic Victorian ivory. The grip is mounted with solid sterling silver collars bearing official Sheffield assay hallmarks dated to 1885/1886. The ornate scrolling crossguard is similarly silver mounted and displays strong sculptural depth and flowing Victorian styling. The knife is further enhanced by an impressive cast horse head pommel of particularly fine quality, with deeply modelled mane and facial detail giving the piece outstanding display presence.
The original heavy leather scabbard accompanies the knife and exhibits the classic shrinkage, contraction, cracking, and surface loss associated with approximately 140 years of age. While no longer practical as a functional sheath, it survives as an important and desirable original companion piece. The fitted oak presentation case remains especially attractive, retaining its inset brass escutcheon to the lid and reinforcing the knife’s likely role as a gentleman’s presentation, commemorative, or luxury sporting piece rather than an ordinary utility weapon.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 26.5 cm; overall length: 43 cm; fitted oak case: 46 cm x 15.5 cm x 5 cm.
History Note:
During the latter half of the 19th century, Sheffield dominated the international market for Bowie knives, hunting knives, and presentation cutlery. Elaborately etched blades carrying moralistic or romantic mottoes were highly fashionable during the Victorian era, intended as both decorative conversation pieces and symbols of loyalty, protection, and gentlemanly virtue. Silver-mounted ivory grips and figural pommels such as horse heads represented the upper tier of Sheffield production, often retailed to wealthy private buyers, military officers, colonial travellers, and sporting gentlemen. The survival of the original fitted presentation case further elevates this example as a particularly prestigious Victorian piece.
*Condition*
The knife presents exceptionally well overall with outstanding visual and display appeal. The blade retains crisp geometry with deeply impressed etched motto panels and only light scattered carbon spotting, age staining, and minor historic polishing marks. The ricasso stamp remains visible. The silver-mounted fittings, including the horse head pommel, hallmarked collars, and crossguard, remain structurally excellent with only light surface wear and handling marks consistent with age. The ivory grip displays attractive natural aging with stable vertical age lines and shrinkage cracks throughout, entirely consistent with genuine period ivory. The leather scabbard has heavily shrunk and hardened with age and displays extensive cracking, dryness, and surface deterioration, though it remains complete as the original companion scabbard. The oak presentation case remains structurally sound with age-related scratches, marks, and finish wear commensurate with long-term storage and handling. Accompanied by UK Ivory Act exemption certificate number LEWNLLF5, permitting compliant ownership and future sale within the current UK legal framework. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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