Paw Paw's Knife

W

warru

Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
10
Decided to photograph this beauty to share. For those who appreciate a Bowie, Enjoy!


c34cc0f754bed10b52a117269d7bb85f-.jpg
 
What does the name Paw Paw refer to?

I'm no expert when it comes to antique knives, but I know what I like, and I like that knife a lot.

Welcome to the forums.
 
Hi Phil,

I chose "Paw Paw's Knife" as the title because this knife has been passed down the line in my family for about 176 years now.

I believe the term Paw Paw is a southern word for grandfather.
 
I thought that might be the derivation of the name. But I also would think 176 years would bring you back more generations than just a grandfather.
 
Warru,Hey! Have ya' been able to identify the maker or have it appraised? Just wondering who your grandfather got it from.I'm most duly impressed with this Bowie. :thumbup: :cool:
 
Hi leatherbird,

The maker is D. Searles of Baton Rouge, La.
As far as an appraisal goes, it is worth a few $.
About 176 years ago it was presented to him by a business colleague. There is family history behind this knife.
 
"Daniel Searles, a cutler from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made the Searles/Fowler Bowie now on display in the Alamo. It is one of the finest examples of an early Bowie in existence. Daniel Searles appears to have been Rezin Bowies favored cutler. Although there are four presentation knives attributed to his shop, only two can be positively identified as a Searles knife. This bit of information comes from Miss Lucy Leigh Bowie a family relative who made one of the earliest efforts to separate legend from truth."

From: http://www.geocities.com/the_tarins@sbcglobal.net/adp/history/bios/bowie/knife_like_bowies.html
 
It is listed in 'The Antique Bowie Knife Book' by Adams, Voyles and Moss, page 116. The ONLY Searles Bowie in the book.

If this is engraved 'S. Henderson' which was who it was presented to (Stephen Henderson), then you must be his great-great-great-grandson, who was credited as the current owner (at the time of printing.)

All I can say here is if this is the real deal, this knife is worth WELL into the six figure ranges. Congrats on such an heirloom!

Coop
 
Hi Coop,

Yes, this is the same knife listed in 'The Antique Bowie Knife Book' by Adams, Voyles and Moss.
As for the current owner credited in the book, that would be my father. He recently took the knife out of safe keeping which gave me an oppertunity to snap a few shots of her.

Yes, leatherbird, I agree, amazing! So I share her with this forum to enjoy!

Here is a better image.

6f5fd922ddd251beccb7494f9822d7eb-.jpg
 
Warru,
Thanks for posting pics of this incredible historic Bowie! :thumbup: :D Doug
 
I'll scan the pages from the book later. Absolutely stunning!

Coop
 
Warru, you can see what a thrill you gave several members here just with a picture of your knife. Most of us will never get the chance to even touch a Searles knife, let alone owning one.

Thanks for sharing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top