This knife is the work of the best known California knife maker of the 19th century, Michael Price. Born in Ireland, Price learned the craft from his father, himself a skilled craftsman of knives, corkscrews and other edged weapons and tools.
In 1856, Michael Price immigrated to San Francisco and a few years later set up his own workshop. He made his mark in public at the first Mechanic Inchess Fair where he boasted that no better steel could be found in any other knife. This appears to have been a statement of fact, as his knives became particularly Inchesknown for their superior quality of steel as well as strong construction, heavy blades, form fitted scabbards in either leather or metal, and bulbous grips.
This example is a classic InchesCalifornia Bowie Inches, sharpened fully on one side and at the tip of the other without the usual curving tip seen in other Bowie knives. The bone handle is inset with brass pins which complement the carved leaf form of the grip. The knife is in very good condition though it was clearly used, and has Inchesa great patina on the grip. Marked on the ricasso, M. Price, San Francisco. His mark is stamped slightly off kilter, a typical marker of his work. Though he favored certain materials, Price knives were each unique in their design.
By 1860, Price Inchess reputation made him one of the most sought after knife makers in the west. His knives were particularly popular with sailors who had abandoned their ships in San Francisco Bay to seek their fortunes as gold miners Inchesin the California Gold Rush, as well as frontiersman, hunters, pioneers, gamblers and others who relied on such weapons for practical matters as well as for self-protection. Price knives were sometimes called a gentleman Inchess Inchessilent partner Inches.
Price Inchess craftsmanship made these pieces both beautiful and practical- reliable in a fight or for the everyday business of survival in the wilderness in the gold fields or for points north. If a prospector didn Inchest find his fortune in California he could head northward for a life in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, and Price knives certainly made it up to those areas in the pockets and packs of such men.
It was said that a Price Bowie could be stabbed through a stack of three silver dollars without losing its edge, though we don Inchest recommend trying it with a prized antique piece such as this one. Though we have to say holding this knife is to feel the quality of its design and materials. Despite its age this blade still feels sturdy, with a quality fine and heavy blade and with a very good feel in the hand.
Price Inchess knives are highly sought after by collectors as both historical pieces of California Inchess early days and as outstanding examples of craftsmanship, often commanding high prices at auction. This rare example is one we are very pleased to offer our clients.
