Original U.S. Vietnam War Era W49 Western Bowie Knife With Correct Leather Sheath

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the Western W49 Bowie knife, made right after the Vietnam War but nearly identical in construction. It comes with the original sheath in a worn but serviceable state. A Bowie knife is a pattern of fixed-blade fighting knife created by Rezin Bowie in the early 19th century for Jim Bowie, who had become famous for his use of a large knife at a duel known as the Sandbar Fight.

Since the first incarnation, the Bowie knife has come to incorporate several recognizable and characteristic design features, although in common usage the term refers to any large sheath knife with a crossguard and a clip point. The knife pattern is still popular with collectors; in addition to various knife manufacturing companies there are hundreds of custom knife makers producing Bowie knives with different types of steel and variations.

This Bowie example is marked on the brass guard with WESTERN / U.S.A. on one side, and BOWIE on the other, which identifies it as the version made 1973-1976 during the immediate post Vietnam War era. The earlier Vietnam War era versions were stamped on the blade while the later post war ones were stamped on top of the crossguard.

The knife is in good solid condition with signs of light use and sharpening. The fittings and guard are made of brass with lovely rosewood colored stained wood grip scales, held on by 3 brass rivets through the tang of the blade. There is a bit of verdigris on the brass fittings from contact with the leather, but overall it has a great lightly service used look.

The original and correct leather scabbard is in wonderful condition but as stated above it is worn but serviceable. All rivets, button snaps and stitching is still present and solid in construction. The attached belt swivel loop is present and free of damage. The original russet brown color is retained well.

Overall a lovely example of this knife with some great period wear. Comes ready for further research and display.

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 9 3/8”
Handle Length: 5 1/4”
Total Length: 14 3/4”
Guard Width: 4 3/7”
Scabbard Length: 10 ¼” with 8" 2 piece hanger