Manufactured c. 1841-1856 by John Nicholson & Sons of Sheffield, England. As with most other Sheffield knife making firms, Nicholson & Sons took full advantage of the appetite for large Bowie knives in the American market. This example measures 14 3/4 inches overall with a 10 3/8 inch clip point blade. The maker's marks are on the left ricasso. The hilt is German silver with a serpentine guard, lion couchant pommel, and smooth pearl grip scales with a German silver escutcheon on the left. The brown leather sheath has gilt accents including an eagle and "CALIFORNIA/GOLD FINDER", and German silver and iron fittings. Includes a soft bag.