Active in New York City c.1835-1869, John D. Chevalier was a noted maker of surgical tools, as well as being regarded as the originator of the "California Knife" marketing/branding idea on the East Coast. The bowie knife in this lot is no scalpel. It is a beast of a weapon, weighing in at 2 pounds 11.4 ounces, with an overall length of 17 5/8 inches and an 11 1/2 inch long blade, .55 inches thick at the base. Yes, over half an inch thick. The mark "CHEVALIER" is present on the left side, with a deep unsharpened clip, a single live edge running clear down to the guard, and a set of large single fullers doing the best they can to keep the weight down. The hilt is of silver plated brass construction, with a cone-tipped dual quillion crossguard, a "pillow" shaped pommel, and a pair of smooth antique ivory grip panels with a long silver arrow on the right side, and the left side featuring an engraved German silver anchor with scroll engraved accents and a loose chain link at the top and a 1 3/5 inch tall silver cross above it. The sheath is fitted with a red leather cover and embossed gilt accents, with a nickel finished throat and tip, metal frog hook, and a leather cover/belt loop. The knife and its sheath are photographed on page 41 of "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" by Adams, Voyles and Moss; the description makes note of the significant weight. Provenance: The Christian de Guigne Collection.