A Bowie knife with a presentation inscription from Buffalo Bill, one of America’s most colourful characters from the Wild West, is coming up for auction by Charterhouse in Sherborne, in their sale of militaria and collectors items on Friday 26th June.
“The knife was bought by the vendor from a small saleroom in Taunton in 1996 for just £32, but subsequent research has added credence that the inscription could be correct and we now value this piece of history at £500-1,000.” Commented Richard Bromell.
William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody was an American soldier, buffalo hunter and showman. The 31.5 cm knife blade has the inscription “Presented to A. C. Mole by Buffalo(u) Bill Clifton Ariz(ona). Albert Charles. Mole was a prominent Taunton man who travelled to the Wild West in 1897, returning to England in 1902. Although he kept a diary, entries from 1900-02 are few and far between, although it is possible that Mole did meet Buffalo Bill whilst in the USA. However, as a prominent Taunton gentleman (Mole was town mayor, he served for 43 years on the Somerset County Council, and founded A C Mole & Sons Chartered Accountants), and with his recent visit to the States, he probably enjoyed Buffalo Bill’s Travelling Show when it came to Taunton in 1903, and it is possible that this is when the knife was presented.
Although the inscription is primitive it is just the sort of artisan handwork which would have been produced when travelling around giving away souvenirs and mementoes. The knife has survived in good condition with its wooden handle and brass knuckle-guard, and at 45 cm long overall, it is quite substantial.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.
www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk