ËœA FINE PRESENTATION BOWIE KNIFE TO MR HENRY SHIELD BY THE LADY STALL-KEEPERS OF THE GATESHEAD VOLUNTEER RIFLE BAZAAR, BY IBBOTSON BROTHERS & CO., DATED 5TH OCTOBER 1861

with robust blade formed with a long pronounced clipped-back point, engraved on one face with three mounted riflemen and five pairs of hounds in pursuit of a buffalo along the blade and the inscriptions 'Sheffield Made Hunting Knife' beneath an eagle displayed and 'American Hunting Knife' on the same face beneath the back-edge (the engraving partly obscured, small areas of light pitting), the ricasso stamped by the maker 'Ibbotson Brothers & Co.' and 'Celebrated Cast Steel' on one face, slightly off-set hilt for balance, German silver cross-guard, and a pair of figured ivory grip-scales retained by four brass rivets, hollowed on one side towards the pommel for grip, and one face with the presentation inscription, in its original stiffened green leather scabbard with gold tooled edge and a central foliate motif (the leather with areas of wear, one portion of the seam holed), with German silver mounts comprising locket with a button for suspension and chape (the chape an early working replacement), sold together with a research file from the vendor

29.0 cm; 11 3/8 in blade

In May 1859 Jonathan Peel, the Secretary of State for War, issued a circular letter to the Lord Lieutenants of England, Scotland and Wales authorising the formation of volunteer rifle and artillery corps for the defence of coastal towns. The corps were only to be formed on the recommendation of the Lord Lieutenant and they were to provide their own arms and equipment. Consequently a number of events were held by many of the Volunteer Corps to raise funds, such as that held in October 1861 in the Hall of the Gateshead Mechanic's Institute for the Gateshead (8th Durham) Volunteer Corp. A contemporary report states that the event raised around £21 17s 10d from stalls including refreshments, a band, an Aunt Sally and other fashionable amusements. In the evening there was a humorous wax work exhibition by Mr Henry Shield showing curious models of celebrities of the present day.