Lot 61

Desirable J. D. Chevalier "California Knife" Marked Bowie Knife

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Desirable J. D. Chevalier "California Knife" Marked Bowie Knife

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

Starting Bid: $3,000

(0 Bids)

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

Rare and Highly Desirable J. D. Chevalier "California Knife" Marked Bowie Knife with Sheath Active c. 1835-1869 in New York City, John D. Chevalier was a maker of surgical implements and cutlery and is credited with being the first East Coast cutler to exploit the California Gold Rush as a marketing tool. Knives had been vital tools on the American frontier since the colonial era for both defense and hunting, but the distinctive clip point Bowie knives became especially popular in the mid-19th century with the '49ers seeking gold in California. In the New York Daily Herald on February 6, 1849, Chevalier's ad reads: "Chevalier's California Knife. - This is a most admirable thing. it will skin a buffalo, (after you have killed him) chop the wood to smoke or cook it with, and perform the operation of phlebotomy should an enemy come within reach of its point. They can be had of Mr. Chevalier, at 184 Broadway. He manufactures them in this city." Another ad in the same issue notes that they could only be had at his store, Tomes & Sons, or A. W. Spies & Co. and indicated he was competing directly with "foreign articles" with genuine American made goods. This impressive example of Chevalier's California knife measures 14 inches overall, with an 8 inch clip point blade, which is marked "CHEVALIER'S CALIFORNIA KNIFE/J. D. CHEVALIER/NEW YORK" and "BROADWAY" on the left side. A thick, oval brass guard, with brass fittings on both ends of the stag grip. Includes the original tan leather sheath with silver plated copper fittings.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: Very good overall showing moderate period usage. The blade shows a few areas of shallow dark spots of pitting and scratches, along with sharpening. The guard is a bit loose, but the attractively aged fine grip is secure on the tang. The sheath is fine, with some scuffing and scratching of the leather, and a mixed patina on the silver. This California Bowie knife will make a fine addition to your antique American arms collection!

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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