Original Price 6,896,552 I guess the extra weight of the brass piece on the spine of the blade helps. If you can located a chromed one I would say there was a good possibility that it was used in Vietnam. 1978 was "B" and so on. The most common by far is the bowie with the wooden handle the (W49). In 1978 the company moved to Longmont, CO. They are the older high carbon blades. Looking for a real knife? 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. They all have heavy use and both have the sheaths replaced after they rotted away. 3,263,547, 4,662,315 See all reviews . If you come across a chrome plated Western Bowie it was probably plated for jungle use. Forged from tough 1075 carbon steel, the Undertaker is the largest knife on our list, with a blade length of just over 10 inches, and an overall length of 15.5 inches. An "I" version would be from 1985, the year after Coleman took over. It is blade marked:WESTERN / USA / W49 with the letter "A" which signifies the first year that Western implemented the alphabetical date code (1977). I just scored a copy of Harvey Platts' "The Knife Makers Who Went West" from 1978. Powered by Invision Community. The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife is the best of the best when it comes to getting a great bowie knife on a budget. Theres still a lot to uncover about this subject. : Western USA W49 Wood Bowie Fixed Blade Knife & Sheath c.1984, SPRING HILL CUTLERY (eBay: bargainseller02), Western Boulder, Colo. Cracked Ice Knife & Hatch Set 1935 to 1950, VINTAGE WESTERN R16 USA M FIXED BLADE HUNTING SKINNING BOWIE SURVIVAL KNIFE KNIVES OLD SHEATH, VINTAGE WESTERN 742 STOCKMAN JACK PEN FOLDING POCKET KNIFE KNIVES OLD ANTIQUE, VINTAGE 1983 WESTERN USA W77 G FIXED BLADE COMBAT FIGHTING DIRK DAGGER BOOT KNIFE KNIVES OLD, Vintage MINT Westmark 701 hunting knife and original leather sheath, WESTER CUTLERY CO. GERMANY 2 1/2" 2 BLADE PEARL CONGRESS LIKE NEW, Western Cutlery Germany Bone Congress Knife, WESTERN USA, W36 Fixed Blade Knife and Sheath. 1 In Stock $34.97 More Info For Sale By: GSPTOPDOG Coleman Western 954 Double Lock with box and pouch (1989) 1 In Stock $70.00 More Info For Sale By: LDF Knives Western USA S-532 "A" Wood Westlock Lockback 1977 1 In Stock $95.00 More Info For Sale By: Knives Templar Thanks zzyzzogeton! Mine probably dates back farther than yours (before Coleman bought Western) and the vanadium steel they used back then was excellent. (50% off), Sale Price 1,097,291 (70% off), Sale Price 2,684,911 (70% off), Sale Price 2,500,000 Thanks! This is the Western Bowie USA knife and the scarce Vietnam era 2nd variation, this tang stamp was produced circa 1966-1968. I was looking at my W49 last night and there is not a tang stamp. I am aware of much of the history of the Western Bowie knife company and how the w49s were originally made for the special forces but what I cannot seem to find is wat year the model I was made. Public collections can be seen by the public, including other shoppers, and may show up in recommendations and other places. I started looking into this subject a couple of years ago. Fill out the requested information. Original Price 1,898,817 Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007. by zzyzzogeton Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:45 am, Post 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. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. (25% off), Sale Price 2,603,550 Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? (10% off), Sale Price $148.00 Original Price $169.99 Because it still seems like an amazing knife. If you are not familiar with that wood, it is in the same class as white oak. 2,359,467, 4,289,941 Original Price $31.38 1,435,714, 2,610,345 It can also be identified by the smaller pins in the handle. I obviously don't know everything about these (or any other Western), just what I've picked up here on BF and other forums, but I think the knives were still being made at Western's Longmont, Colorado factory after Coleman bought the company, so they were being made by the same people on the same equipment using the same materials. I've got several W49 bowies, the oldest dating to around the mid 60s. by zzyzzogeton Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:46 am, Post This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Nearly a foot and a half long. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. I'm curious on the W49/ or other western knife bowies as a woods knife. Email with Questionsor Offers: sandersknives@gmail.com. The cv recon/tm seem about twice as thick. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Absolutely! Some made in Australia had cast aluminum handles. Still has factory edge. As you can see it also has the small pins in the handle. (15% off), Sale Price 4,256,897 Large Bowies features excellent stag horn grip with brass pommel and English style brass cross guard. A classic made in the USA bowie that vanished once camillus went bust. View Etsys Privacy Policy. 32.9 un fullered blade has a simple IXL stamp to ricasso and 'CP' mark to surface. 3,722,167, 4,962,808 (39% off), Sale Price 3,722,167 There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. According to Western's 1986 catalog they started producing the W49 in 1964. Buy now. They sharpen up like a razor and I need to make heavy duty sheaths for them. Facebook, Tags: Bagwell-Bowie, Bowie, Vintage, Western-Cutlery-W49. I was surprised by the thinness of the spine. Below are pictures of the guard: To the best of my knowledge the 4th variant would have the larger pins and would be guard marked similar to the 3rd variant. The straight-edge knife is fitted with a 7-inch blade and. Western W49 Fixed Blade Bowie Survival Knife USA Leather Sheath Vintage: $260.00. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. It didn't have much heft. If your really lucky you might come across a presentation piece but that is still not a guarentee that it was in Vietnam. Even though we were young and we knew every thing. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Original Price 1,243,264 We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. $89.17, $297.22 i have had a western bowie for 30 years. No, I never wrote it up. It was also the last year they were made in Boulder, CO. If it is legible and anyone can fill in any blanks or dispute any of the data, I am receptive to discussion. $86.70, $289.00 This would provide the best provenance to establishing the exact time periods for these variations on the Western W49 and 649 knifes. There are at least 4 more variations in knife markings and wooden handle type from then to 1977 when Western started date coding their knives on the blade. I hope this helps, Brad? by zzyzzogeton Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:47 am, Post The western being thinner bites better. Items are guaranteed to be AS DESCRIBED - if there is any problem with your purchase, please contact me - I value your business and want you to be a satisfied customer! The W49 is the 9 1/2" "V44" type with the immense S-curve guard and laminated rosewood slab handles. 1978 was "B" and so on. razor sharp and good in the hand. 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. We've got Bowie knives of all shapes and sizes at Knife Depot. Stainless steel does not peel off as you know. The way you set up your knife photos is inspiring. When Coleman bought Western in 1984, they continued the practice, up through M. When Camillus bought Western from Coleman in 1991, they dropped the practice. Its something for me to shoot for. I am glad that I resisted the SOF mods back in the 80's. Also has medal with his name and paper documents dated 69-70. hi sactroop the info you sent to me, is just what i was look for and the photos are a great help to me aswell.thanks for your help. As a bowie knife, this was designed for hunting and survival, but as a high-priced Buck knife with a few dozen handle materials to choose from and the option to add a display box and an engraving it makes a pretty stellar gift and display piece. Stuart Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Robert E. Lee Prestige Edition Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Battle of Gettysburg Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Stonewall Jackson Bowie Knife $99.95 Details P.G.T. from United States. You'll feel like an O Timber Rattler Whispering Winds Bowie Knife 19.98 Timber Rattler captures the beauty of the southwest with this handsome Whispering Winds bowie knife. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. The W49 is the most common found today. I bought one at a Sheriff's auction about 20 years ago. The knife he left us, which bears his name, ranks with the Kentucky rifle and the Colt Peacemaker as an. Im thinking these must have come from their custom shop. All About Pocket Knives is a knife related resource center for buying, selling, researching, and discussing all things knives, Post The unique design of the blade gave it its power and its name thanks to James Bowie, a hero of the Alamo gave it its prestige. Covert Knife. (30% off), Sale Price 1,183,432 2,438,424, 4,876,847 Free shipping on orders $99+. For further info Google: "Bill Bagwell" or "Bagwell Bowie" Re: SOF magazine article c.1987 April issue, MySpace !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Camillus discontinued the use of date codes. Description. "Western" and "Coleman" are both brand names; which is it? However one cant say that such detailed information ever did exist on paper. Boy, I'll say! You are using an out of date browser. By Thin edges can chop without damage, you just have to keep the blade straight so the force of the swing is aligned with the edge. I think the pre-Coleman ones - at least some of them - had real Cocobolo handles rather than laminated wood scales. If you come across a chrome plated Western Bowie it was probably plated for jungle use. Bottom line if you want a western Bowie that was actully used in Vietnam you need good provinence on the knife. Western W49 Bowie Knife - Vintage Bowie From Boulder Colorado CloverTac 14.9K subscribers 5.6K views 4 years ago #TacticalLeprechaun Today let's take a look at a cool vintage Western w49. They moved to Longmont, CO. in 1978 and continued the . Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. It was also the last year they were made in Boulder, CO. - They moved to Longmont, CO. in 1978 and continued the alphabet dating code for another 15 years until they were sold at auction to Camillus in 1991. United States | English (US) | $ (USD). 1,775,148, 4,437,574 With the above in mind at this time I would advise you to look for knives with one of the following markings: This is generally excepted as the first variation of the W49, This is the next version of blade marking the W49. Ridge Runner Whitetail Ridge Bowie Knife $26.99 $9.98! First off let me say this forum appears to be populated by some very knowledgeable people and some impressive knife makers. That is really the one question I have about the knife. by WesternBowieAxe Wed May 02, 2018 3:11 am, Post There are two variations of guard marked W49's. 1,722,414, 2,460,591 All items come from a SMOKE-FREE environment! (70% off). Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! Large WW11 Fighting knife with maker mark. Here is the best that I can find as far as their tang stamping is concerned That's about all I know. Western started doing this in 1977 and Coleman/Western continued it. (70% off), Sale Price $89.17 (15% off), Sale Price $84.99 Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. 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. Thanks for all the Western Bowie related info, catalog links, etc. Original Price 4,063,793 3,386,453, 6,157,389 This massive knife was used in early Vietnam era it measures 15" from tip to hilt. Average depth of cut with the same swing was almost a half inch. I have a long list of knives I kick myself for not buying. This is a 1980s Western W-49 Bowie knife with rosewood and brass handle and tang valued at $160 to $200CAD. 1,666,256, 3,029,557 (70% off), Sale Price 899,015 by zzyzzogeton Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:43 am, Post L Lenka Kuerkov Cool Knives La Forge Lame Film Props Knife Handles Y Yves Tactical Swords Blacksmithing Knives Bowie Knives 1,056,736, 1,243,264 I had put together this table that I'm going to post but not sure how it'll show up. We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! $36.50, $121.68 But once you mod 'em they lose all collector's value. Yes! Original Price 4,289,941 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. In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. You can see where some of the plating is peeling with age and use. In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. As far as a real chopper goes, my W49 out performed my Spyderco/Hossum Forester in side by side testing. Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. You never want to tell a Ranger he can't make a knife. Western Bowie Knife (1 - 40 of 159 results) Price ($) Shipping All Sellers 16-Inch Old Western Bowie Knife D2 Steel Fixed Blade Wooden Handle / Leather Knife Sheath scorpionhubus (30) $135.00 $150.00 (10% off) FREE shipping Tombstone Ike / Billy Clanton Bowie knife custom-made Hand grind in Texas carbon 1985 steel antler Handle made to order 1 week My biggest concern with their "chopping" ability is the very thin edge. Western Alamo Bowie Knife 4.8 ( 10 reviews) Your Price: $106.99 Solid stainless steel blade Handsome wooden handle with gold pins Engraved Jim Bowie name plate Includes leather sheath and certificate of authenticity Measures: 11" blade; 17 1/4" overall Product Description From the movie "The Alamo" comes the world renown Jim Bowie knife. Original Price $188.24 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. Check out our awesome collection now. Obviously, 1977 on is easy. IMHO its hard to link gear made after 1972 to being In Country without being attached to some strong provenance. US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY Check out our awesome collection now. JavaScript is disabled. Measures 15-1/4" overall with a 10" blade. 4,617,980, 6,157,389 Late 1800s antique British US Western style Bowie knife marked IXL. Gil Hibben 65TH Anniversary Old West Bowie Knife And Sheath - Stainless Steel Blade, Wooden Handle, Gold-Plated Guard $109.99 I have handled about five Western Bowies that were used in Vietnam. $84.99, $169.99 Original Price $297.22 AAPK Tips and Tricks -- An Illustrated FAQ Forum on Steriods, Knife Lore - Traditional Knives From the Old Days, Canal Street Cutlery Collector's Forum, Cattaraugus Cutlery Collector's Forum, Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) Collector's Forum, Robeson Cutlery Company Collector's Forum, Schatt & Morgan Knife Collector's Forum, Knife Related Creation, Modification, And Restoration Forums.