Eagle and Serpent Bowie Knife and Sheath
Artifact ID1981.00135.01a-b
Object Type
Knife, Bowie
Maker
Michael T. Nicholson
(Hartford, CT)
Gifter
Michael T. Nicholson
Date
1974
Medium
Metal (steel, bronze, silver), Ivory, Leather, Stone (garnet, lapis lazuli)
Dimensions16 in. (40.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionA handmade tempered steel bowie knife with an American eagle and rattlesnake motif etched into the spine. The ricasso bears the maker's mark "M. Nicholson." The guard depicts a double-headed rattlesnake made of bronze and silver with garnets and lapis lazuli accents. The ivory handle ends with a gold and silver eagle's head with a stone eye. The Leather sheath is tooled with a floral pattern on one side, an outdoor winter scene with deer on the other, and the message "Happiness To Ronald and Nancy, From Sam - Buzz - Bert Sisco 12-25-1981" written on the top left corner.Historical NoteDuring the administration it was on display at Rancho del Cielo.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and was on display at Rancho del Cielo until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryGifts to the President (2006-2007), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library;
Within the Vault (1998), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library