Lot 171

"The Old Ironsides Bowie" Custom Knife by Chase Bachenberg

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"The Old Ironsides Bowie" Custom Knife by Chase Bachenberg

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $11,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Monumental One-of-a-Kind 250th Anniversary of the United States of America "The Old Ironsides Bowie" Custom Knife by Chase Bachenberg Featuring Oak Timber from the USS Constitution and Steel from the World Trade Center with Case, Display Stand, and Documentation Masterfully crafted as a one-of-a-kind statement piece celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this is one of the most powerful and deeply symbolic modern American blades to cross the auction block. Few objects more completely embody or are more deeply rooted in the American story than the Bowie knife, being large, bold, purposeful, and unapologetically forged in the spirit of American independence. At its very foundation, the Bowie knife is quintessentially American, as is the case with this example in its basic form, while it is set apart on a spiritual level due to the extraordinary materials it is crafted from and the deep meaning forged within it. This incredible Bowie knife represents the convergence of two of the most deeply defining chapters of the American experience. The grip panels have been beautifully crafted from authenticated oak timber recovered from the hull of our country's most legendary ship, the USS Constitution, affectionately known as "Old Ironsides", which remains the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world to this day, as well as an enduring symbol of our nation's resolve in its early days. Remaining an active United States Navy vessel, the USS Constitution represents the birth of American naval power, a historic symbol of the emergence of American strength, as well as one of the earliest bulwarks of our fledgling republic, with this material being there when "Old Ironsides" answered the call to defend our nation. The blade incorporates steel recovered from the World Trade Center, a solemn and powerful material drawn from the site of the most defining moment in modern American history. The steel stands as a testament to the resilience, sacrifice, and unity of a nation in the face of adversity. Strength, sacrifice, and resilience that is quite literally forged into this magnificent blade. The blade itself is an eye-catching work of Damascus steel, featuring "250th" inlaid in gold on the left near the spine in homage of the 250th anniversary of the founding of these United States. The maker's mark is on the right. The flowing patterns of Damascus evoke strength and continuity, mirroring the nation's own passage through time, as well as the waves of the world's oceans, upon which the USS Constitution projected and protected the ideals of America and its people. The knife is accompanied by certificates of authenticity for both the timber from USS Constitution as well as the steel from the World Trade Center, affirming the provenance of the deeply meaningful materials used in the construction of the beautiful Bowie. The knife is housed in a wonderful custom leather presentation case emblazoned with "We the People", a phrase which anchors the entire composition in the founding ideals of the American republic. Also included is a hardwood display stand. This stunning knife was boldly and deliberately crafted in 2026, exuding a style that is unmistakably American. The knife was hand-crafted by the young American bladesmith Chase Bachenberg, a self-taught artisan whose skill and vision belie his years as a senior in high school. He has had no formal training or master to guide him, only talent, discipline, and the drive to build a piece worthy of this monumental moment. As a whole, this is far more than just a custom knife, but rather a historic and symbolic artifact uniting the founding and early trials of this young nation, the defiance and endurance of its people, the strength and resilience of modern America, as well as the promise of the next generation represented by this young and talented artisan. In form, it is the quintessential American Bowie knife, while in substance, it is the American story itself. It was built for this moment. Built for the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation, forged, preserved, and carried forward. This is not only a tribute to American history but a glimpse into the enduring spirit of those who shape its future.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: Excellent as a one-of-a-kind statement piece representing a convergence of historic American resilience and the future of American craftsmanship, the blade showing beautiful Damascus patterns throughout and attractive oil-quenched appearance, with bright gold inlay, and crisp maker's mark. The grip scales are excellent with essentially no evidence of handling. The case and stand are excellent with a very slight pressure mark on the base of the stand. This is truly a powerful and deeply symbolic piece produced by an extremely talented young artisan representing the future of our nation!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000