91/4"LONG BLADE,TOTAL KNIFE LENGTH IS 14 1/2", BLADE WIDTH IS 2" & WEIGHS 1# 14 OZ IN SHETH. (15% off), Sale Price 4,256,897 I don't consider it to be bad. Its story begins in the 1820's when James Bowie was able to defend himself by using a large knife at the Sandbar Fight in Louisiana. The way you set up your knife photos is inspiring. The marking are very important. Boy, I'll say! Best Western Bowie Inn & Suites, Park's Inn, and Americas Best Value Inn Bowie are some of the most popular hotels for travelers looking to stay near Worlds Largest Bowie Knife. 1,952,663, 3,550,296 Good news! $77.64, $91.34 I have attempted to research these Western knives, of late, and, to be honest with you, the the deeper I dig the more confused I get. Would be great for batoning as it had a very heavy blade of about 6 inches long. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. This photo illustrates what I mean when I speak of larger pins versus smaller pins. I knew your research was fairly extensive and that you had more info than I could ever find in a short timethat's why I linked to your thread from KF. $21.96, $31.38 1,722,414, 2,460,591 Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. 2,684,911, 4,881,657 If the knife has the original leather sheath I expect to see some pretty hard use on that leather. I took it, the aforementioned W49 and a Case Alamo Bowie out in the yard and started chopping on a old log of locust wood I'd had laying around for a couple of years. The W47 measures 12" from tip to hilt, W45 measures 9" and the 43 or mini measures 6 1/2". (20% off), Sale Price 2,370,466 (45% off), Sale Price 1,952,663 Who has the knowledge for this situation? 4,173,623, 8,347,245 This is a 1980s Western W-49 Bowie knife with rosewood and brass handle and tang valued at $160 to $200CAD. Probably one of the most memorable movie quotes of all time came about when Crocodile Dundee scoffed at a mugger's switchblade saying, "That's not a knife." The Best American Made Bowie Knives - Nothing But Knives (50% off), Sale Price 1,666,256 I hope that there will be enough detail for me to identify the order of tang and guard stamp introduction on the W49s and other models as well. There were variations of this pattern that were incorporated into air crew survival kits. . I also believe that the guard marked "W49's" would have been made during the 1970's but prior to 1977 when the alphabetical date code started. Create an Account Stay up to date withYour Favorite Knife Makers. Tep. By (50% off), $400.00 Value for money . 1,708,876, 1,898,817 I have never found any reference to Western chroming their knives. I still havent actually put my hands on one of the W49s with the chrome plating. Report an Issue | Thanks for all the Western Bowie related info, catalog links, etc. I carry it with me on all my excursions. Looking for a real knife? This type of data sharing may be considered a sale of information under California privacy laws. (30% off), Sale Price 1,183,432 By: Westmark Knives Date Added: 02/22/2018 $175.00 Buy Now. This massive knife was used in early Vietnam era it measures 15" from tip to hilt. Original Price 2,339,655 (See picture) Without taking the grips off there is no way to tell if it was a factory job or post purchase. If it is legible and anyone can fill in any blanks or dispute any of the data, I am receptive to discussion. I know a thin edge can chop without damage if used properly, but I cant guarantee I my form will always be perfect when using a "chopper". However one cant say that such detailed information ever did exist on paper. How easy or difficult is it to come across a Western Bowie that actually looks like it may have seen use during the Vietnam War. here's a pic of the western along side an old trailmaster and recon. Anyone have experience with them? Original Price 3,571,429 They sharpen up like a razor and I need to make heavy duty sheaths for them. Antique Bowie Knives for sale - Old Pocket Knives Welcome and have a great stay lots to see and read around here. One is the lack of surviving documents from the Western Cutlery Co. . 1,516,995, 2,758,374 I think the pre-Coleman ones - at least some of them - had real Cocobolo handles rather than laminated wood scales. Original Price 1,898,817 Search 284 Tramonti di Sopra local furniture stores to find the best furniture and accessory company for your project. The Western W-49 is made of 1095 carbon steel. JavaScript is disabled. Top Rated Seller. Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate. The 4th variant, I believe, is similarly guard marked and stamped "W49" instead of Bowie, like the 3rd variant, on the pile side. (70% off), Sale Price 2,500,000 Back in the early, and late 70's, all the guys I approached for any type of knife, especially SOG knives, said they left them in Vietnam. You are using an out of date browser. Designed by Jim Bowie and fabricated first by Jesse Clifft, the almost 10-inch-long blade had a flat spine and no guard between its blade and handle. Original Price 3,367,876 Thanks to Tom Williams who had it in with some old Western documents. Camillus discontinued the use of date codes. Original Price 2,758,374 com, usedvictoria.com are popular sites for selling items in Canada. 3.2 3.2 . Thanks! I did it out of personal curiosity when I got my Forester. (70% off), Sale Price $135.00 They all have heavy use and both have the sheaths replaced after they rotted away. I guess the extra weight of the brass piece on the spine of the blade helps. The Bowie knife began as a gift of love from one brother to another, but the weapon proved invaluable in the famous 1827 Sandbar . The only sure way to get one that was in Vietnam is from a vet that can document the knife. The blade's spine is five . Original Price 8,347,245 Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. Of the five two were chrome plated and three were not. I was looking at my W49 last night and there is not a tang stamp. It can also be identified by the smaller pins in the handle. Original Price $289.00 Blade edge is still quite sharp, and blade has been old period cleaned and is . how to identify a Vietnam Western Bowie Fighting Knife That is really the one question I have about the knife. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. (20% off), Sale Price $36.50 I hope it helps? Email with Questionsor Offers: sandersknives@gmail.com. Thanks GIRLYmann! If there is a letter on the blade under the Western name it is post 1977. An old and proven friend. Check out completed auctions on the 'Bay for an idea of value. 1,097,291, 1,995,074 2,603,550, 4,733,728 This pattern is not exclusive to Western although they were the last to mass produce it. 10 Best Bowie Knives (Reviews) in 2023 - Buying Guide - TheCoolist i don't need to use it too much. Create an account or login in order to post a comment. The ONLY differences between versions #2, #3 and #4 are in stamp location(s). The seller might still be able to personalize your item. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99* & 60-DAY RETURNS. Craftsmanship . In his books, Cole called them the V44 Types 1,2,3,4 (Collins, CaseXX, Western, Kinfolks) and the type 5, the CaseXX Fixed blade V44. Western started making stainless versions of some of their knives as early as 1967. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Just when you think you have them figured out one turns up that does not fit the mold. Is it possible that the ones you think are chrome plated are STAINLESS STEEL and the ones you think are not chromed are regular "carbon steel"??? But I believe I can give you some good advice. Copyright 2004-2023 allaboutpocketknives.com. An "I" version would be from 1985, the year after Coleman took over. The W49 is the most common found today. Western W49 Fixed Blade Bowie Survival Knife USA Leather Sheath Vintage: $260.00. (50% off), Sale Price 1,097,291 Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. This massive knife was used in early Vietnam era it measures 15" from tip to hilt. Original Price $150.00 One must handle this knife to appreciate the quality. Original Price $121.68 Its 11 and 3/8 inches full tang steel blade is sharp right out of the box and will come in handy when performing a wide variety of tasks. Some made in Australia had cast aluminum handles. I just scored a copy of Harvey Platts' "The Knife Makers Who Went West" from 1978. (60% off), Sale Price 2,807,882 Learn more. (60% off), Sale Price $86.70 Please. Original Price 6,978,325 Here's a thread on another forum that may help you: Chrome plating of the blade was to protect it from rust in the jungle. The knife on the left is the 2nd variant of the W49 and is blade marked: The knife in the middle with the larger pins and modified guard is an example of the 5th variant, c.1977. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums, http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/872513/tp/0/all/1/, http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3218/2432943915_de56f97a16_b.jpg, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/941103-Western-W49-Bowie, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1072453-Western-Bowie-any-info-appreciated. Originally designed by Col. James Bowie, a Bowie knife describes any large sheath knife. Western made at least two different stock numbered "bowies" during the Vietnam time period. The knife in the box above looks dull due to the original preservative still being on the knife after 40+ years. We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. A top-end bowie knife that's been around since World War II, the Ka-Bar U.S. Marine Corps Bowie Knife is durable and versatile. Mine is a coleman with a k stamp on it. It started my knife addiction. Damascus Steel: Is My Knife Real or Fake. THE 10 BEST Hotels in Bowie, TX for 2023 - Tripadvisor Western Bowie Collection | Collectors Weekly But without more evidence to support them the above examples are my recommendation at this time. Vintage Western folding pocket knife. Check out our awesome collection now. The sheath for this knife is also unique in my opinion. I have always thought that the Western Bowie with the bigger handle bolts, thick handle, W49 guard marks and ringed sheath was post Vietnam but then came across this on ebay. United States | English (US) | $ (USD). Large WW11 Fighting knife with maker mark. In 1838 Rezin P. Bowie, brother of Alamo hero James Bowie claimed that he made the first Bowie knife while the Bowies lived in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. If you want a big bowie with similar features and you don't want to pay a premium for what has become a collector's item, consider the Ontario made Marine Rader Bowie. Western didn't seem to keep real accurate records. Western started putting the year letter on their knives in 1977 with an "A". For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 3,722,167, 4,962,808 The appearance of items in the individual listings may vary slightly from the one above. Great! Still has factory edge. I think I read somewhere that when Camillus bought the name in 1991, they moved production to the Camillus factory in New York. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife Check Price. The USMC Rader Battalions of WW2 made this pattern their own and therefore famous. by zzyzzogeton Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:46 am, Post The most common by far is the bowie with the wooden handle the (W49). Original Price 9,852,217 Powered by, Badges | I believe that it provides a fairly accurate chronology of the Western W49 Bowie. It could have been a special order as there were Western Bowies ordered by 5th Special Forces with blade inscriptions. Original Price $31.38 I turned the log over, picked up the W49 and finished chopping through the log in eight minutes. that was when i was riding with a club, i'm 6'2'' and 230 lbs (wish i still was ) and nobody messed with me, great trouble detorent lol. I like them very much. I was surprised by the thinness of the spine. Original Price $91.34 Boker 1969 Z28-Damast Liner Lock Knife Blue Aluminum (3.15" Damascus) MSRP: $594.95 Our Price: $446.21 Preorder Down Payment: $5.00 Add to Cart Vargo Knives Sobata 398 Frame Lock Knife Titanium (3" Satin Sintered Ti) Our Price: $225.00 Add to Cart Jake Hoback Perseverance Fixed Blade Knife Black G-10 (6.1" Stonewash) Our Price: $365.00 Add to Cart $84.99, $169.99 Western W49 Bowie Knife - Vintage Bowie From Boulder Colorado Original Price 3,029,557 Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Timber Rattler Knives - Direct Knife Sales According to Western's 1986 catalog they started producing the W49 in 1964. Sign up for a new account in our community. This photo illustrates what I mean when I speak of larger pins versus smaller pins. The other three were heavly pitted from the jungle. The real surprise to me was the Case Bowie chopping all the way through in fifteen minutes. Original Price 1,206,897 I have two of them. US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY $86.70, $289.00 Original Price $200.00