found the maker in fladermansMiller Bro's wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:25 pm Here it is, unfortunately some idiot broke off the guard on one side![]()
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Any information you have on this one would be appreciated.
Anyone collect Bowies?
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Outstanding, thanks so much!petekuhn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:58 pm Joseph Law
Flayderman (2004)1 shows a fine Bowie knife, etched with the slogan ‘The Gold Digger’s Companion’, and with the words ‘TRY ME’ on the ricasso inside a winged-horse. It is marked Joseph Law, Spring Lane. In 1841, this cutler – aged 24 with a wife, Ann – were listed as a maker of spring knives and running a beer house in Trippet Lane. The press reported that in 1843 a Joseph Law (otherwise known as Joseph Low), spring knife cutler, Bath Street, was bankrupt. In 1845, Joseph Law (unidentified) was listed as pen and pocket knife manufacturer in Thomas Street. Between about 1850 and 1863, Joseph Law (and his wife Ann and family) was listed at Broomspring Lane (or Spring Lane, as it was stamped on Law’s knives). He was described in the Census as Joseph Middleton Law, or Joseph Law Jun. He was afflicted by deafness by 1861. Between the late 1860s and 1876, Law operated from Court 2, Sydney Street. His name disappeared after that date.
It is stamped " Try Me" so definitely the right maker

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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I knew I had seen the tang stamp before and got lucky finding it in the first book I looked at.Miller Bro's wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 11:20 pmOutstanding, thanks so much!petekuhn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:58 pm Joseph Law
Flayderman (2004)1 shows a fine Bowie knife, etched with the slogan ‘The Gold Digger’s Companion’, and with the words ‘TRY ME’ on the ricasso inside a winged-horse. It is marked Joseph Law, Spring Lane. In 1841, this cutler – aged 24 with a wife, Ann – were listed as a maker of spring knives and running a beer house in Trippet Lane. The press reported that in 1843 a Joseph Law (otherwise known as Joseph Low), spring knife cutler, Bath Street, was bankrupt. In 1845, Joseph Law (unidentified) was listed as pen and pocket knife manufacturer in Thomas Street. Between about 1850 and 1863, Joseph Law (and his wife Ann and family) was listed at Broomspring Lane (or Spring Lane, as it was stamped on Law’s knives). He was described in the Census as Joseph Middleton Law, or Joseph Law Jun. He was afflicted by deafness by 1861. Between the late 1860s and 1876, Law operated from Court 2, Sydney Street. His name disappeared after that date.
It is stamped " Try Me" so definitely the right maker![]()
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I will keep looking in other books
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I could not afford this Bowie but I encouraged a friend to buy it today at a gunshow and he did, Randall Smithsonian Bowie with Ivory handle and Brown button sheath. One impressive hunk of steel. Too cool not to show.
You can always get more money, good old knives are hard to find.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Very, very, impressive. 

Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
It’s a dandy. My friend is an antique gun collector but when he noted my admiration of this fine knife he decided to add it to his holdings. At $1700 I don’t think he will ever regret the purchase.
You can always get more money, good old knives are hard to find.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I last showed these photos about 15 months ago. Repetition is unavoidable as most of my collection has been shown at some point. So, if I wish to continue to participate I must repeat photos if only for newer members.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I got this one last weekend. Have no info on it but it has a lot of what I like.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Olsen made a quality knife, I have several.
Interesting sheath, nice bone handles!

Interesting sheath, nice bone handles!
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I have this Bowie my Dad found back in the 60's. It says " Original Bowie on the blade. Turns out it's an Edge Brand Soligen Germany. I just posted pics of my Edge Mark 2 knife set. I never knew both knives weRe from the same maker.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Oops, that Marbles isn't supposedtobethere.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Wow! That is an awesome find! Do you know what year it was made by any chance?
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They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?




Please visit my AAPK store: https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... er_id=2383
They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
I believe late 1950’s-1960’s
You can always get more money, good old knives are hard to find.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Thanks! It really is a beautiful piece

Please visit my AAPK store: https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... er_id=2383
They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
They say, “Hard work never hurt anyone”, but I'm still not willing to risk it.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Page 72 A sure defence The bowie knife book Kenneth burton Same knife but horn handles and they do not know the maker.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Thanks for the additional information, I will try to locate that book.
The blade is etched a sure defense, but it is hard to see.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Many years ago l remember seeing a Randall ivory handled bowie that was paired with an Arkansas toothpick and owned by DAVE VAN SICKLE; a Randall dealer in Texas. Supposedly made for KING FAISAL of lraq. I think he was deposed(or assassinated) before he could get it.
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Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
It was in the mail for almost 3 weeks but finally arrived yesterday.
I like the crown antler handle and the brass guard which is why I bought it, but the blade leaves a lot to be desired. The grind is not even and I can see lots of waves from over buffing. But I guess for $34 dollars you don't get "Loveless" quality.
I did notice the price went up to $60 since I bought this one.
I like the crown antler handle and the brass guard which is why I bought it, but the blade leaves a lot to be desired. The grind is not even and I can see lots of waves from over buffing. But I guess for $34 dollars you don't get "Loveless" quality.
I did notice the price went up to $60 since I bought this one.
I, am the NRA.
Re: Anyone collect Bowies?
Overall a good looking knife and not a bad price. Might have to kick in a few extra $ for Loveless quality. lol.ken98k wrote: ↑Wed Feb 12, 2025 8:11 pm It was in the mail for almost 3 weeks but finally arrived yesterday.
I like the crown antler handle and the brass guard which is why I bought it, but the blade leaves a lot to be desired. The grind is not even and I can see lots of waves from over buffing. But I guess for $34 dollars you don't get "Loveless" quality.
I did notice the price went up to $60 since I bought this one.
You can always get more money, good old knives are hard to find.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.
Nature abhors a vacuum, me I hate a dull knife.