Original Price 4,844,560 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. Have no idea. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you come across a chrome plated Western Bowie it was probably plated for jungle use. Original Price 2,249,754 W49, W47, W45 and the W43. The one that I have with a couple of bends in the blade came from me chopping a couple branches off from a dead piece of tree many years ago. Learn more. Learn more. (30% off), Sale Price $123.74 These two variations appear during the time period of 1964 to at least 1967. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Vietnam | English (US) | (VND), remembering account, browser, and regional preferences, remembering privacy and security settings, personalized search, content, and recommendations, helping sellers understand their audience, showing relevant, targeted ads on and off Etsy. The W49 is the most common found today. This is a 1980s Western W-49 Bowie knife with rosewood and brass handle and tang valued at $160 to $200CAD. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. The Bowie knife began as a gift of love from one brother to another, but the weapon proved invaluable in the famous 1827 Sandbar . don't carry it much, but wouldn't trade it for anything except maybe a new truck. The Western W-49 is made of 1095 carbon steel. In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. Original Price 7,248,225 I still havent actually put my hands on one of the W49s with the chrome plating. Collectible Knives - Vintage and Rare Knives | Blade HQ Im thinking these must have come from their custom shop. 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. Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate. And you are spot-on when you allude to "gray areas." The real surprise to me was the Case Bowie chopping all the way through in fifteen minutes. It can also be identified by the smaller pins in the handle. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Western started making stainless versions of some of their knives as early as 1967. I think the pre-Coleman ones - at least some of them - had real Cocobolo handles rather than laminated wood scales. Top Rated Seller. One is the lack of surviving documents from the Western Cutlery Co. . The knife on the left is the 2nd variant of the W49 and is blade marked: WESTERN / BOWIE / USA. Even though we were young and we knew every thing. western w49 bowie knife for sale | eBay Western didn't seem to keep real accurate records. $80-$140 yablanowitz Platinum Member Joined Apr 14, 2006 Messages 9,333 Jun 13, 2009 #3 Depending on the exact age of the knives, they may be very good steel. Wild West Bowie Knives. 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. Gil Hibben Old West Bowie Knife Bloodwood - budk.com The best Bowie knives to channel your inner Crocodile - Task & Purpose (45% off), Sale Price 2,438,424 Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. I cleaned them up and blued one of them for a more uniform patina. $123.74, $164.99 This full-tang sawback Bowie knife is designed for heavy use in brutal survival situations. $22.40, $28.00 $84.99, $169.99 He designed it as a hunting knife and gave it to James for protection after his brother had been shot in a fight. Orsold or pawned to shops in Fayettenam! The next 3 versions of the Western Bowie are identical in material and construction. Keep in mind that anyone can view public collectionsthey may also appear in recommendations and other places. I don't know how long they made this knife but by the 1978 catalog it has disappeared. 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. Western Knives of Boulder Colorado made four models of the Bowie knife. Western made at least two different stock numbered bowies during the Vietnam time period. Stainless steel does not peel off as you know. Theres still a lot to uncover about this subject. Its generally excepted that the first two variations on this knife where blade marked (see pics below). This is the Western Bowie USA knife and the scarce Vietnam era 2nd variation, this tang stamp was produced circa 1966-1968. (70% off), Sale Price 2,684,911 1,025,862, 1,206,897 Original Price 3,571,429 . Original Price 3,367,876 Yes! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Bowie Knives For Sale - Collectible Knives | American Mint I hope it helps? 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According to Westerns 1986 catalog they started producing the W49 in 1964. Thanks for compiling this data and putting it into the chart that you've provided. This practice was continued after Western was sold to the Coleman Co. in 1984 and goes on until 1991. Original Price 2,216,502 But theres always the chance that more documents are yet to surface that will clear things up. 2,068,966, 6,896,552 If your really lucky you might come across a presentation piece but that is still not a guarentee that it was in Vietnam. Authentic Western Boulder U.S.A W49 "M" Bowie Knife w - Worthpoint This information will be very helpful in my search. JavaScript is disabled. 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. It still could be post Vietnam presentation item but who knows. The jets rip has an easily broken cat guard and a very thick grind not and efficient chopper . Beauregard Prestige Edition Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Land of the Free Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Apollo 13 Bowie Knife $99.95 Details Ive got WW2 and earlier knives that left the factory chrome plated and most of them look as new or close to it. (60% off), Sale Price $86.70 Also they produced the stock number (649) a bowie with a handle made of synthetic stag for the handle. 1,896,552, 3,448,276 1,722,414, 2,460,591 Here is the best that I can find as far as their tang stamping is concerned That's about all I know. I bought one at a Sheriff's auction about 20 years ago. As I've mentioned I've been offered a nice roi for my blade, but I'm not sure I would take a truck in exchange. The marking are very important. If you don't have an account, create one here. The one I have is chromed on the blade, crossguard and handle pins. by kootenay joe Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:49 pm, Post The western being thinner bites better. It took me about thirty minutes to get halfway through the log. The W47 measures 12" from tip to hilt, W45 measures 9" and the 43 or mini measures 6 1/2". Expect to see hard use and pitting on any knife used in Vietnam as the jungle destroyed them pretty good. I had a new one in the box a few years ago and let it go too cheap for 100.00 at a gun show so I could purchase something else. Original Price 2,339,655 All About Pocket Knives is a knife related resource center for buying, selling, researching, and discussing all things knives, Post (45% off), Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Original Price $31.38 At least as far as I've been able to determine. The only sure way to get one that was in Vietnam is from a vet that can document the knife. Mine probably dates back farther than yours (before Coleman bought Western) and the vanadium steel they used back then was excellent. 3,722,167, 4,962,808 Jul 5, 2013. The knife in the box above looks dull due to the original preservative still being on the knife after 40+ years. According to Western's 1986 catalog they started producing the W49 in 1964. It appears that much was lost during the periods that Western changed hands. I like them very much. Original Price 8,347,245 I accept payment in the form of Pay Pal, Credit Card (Online Only), Personl Check and Money Orders. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Knife_Company. It has been custom painted with knotwork. RARE Vintage Western 2 Blade #691 TRAPPER BONE Handle NICE ! 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. Choose the options youd like for the order. Ridge Runner Whitetail Ridge Bowie Knife $26.99 $9.98! They all have heavy use and both have the sheaths replaced after they rotted away. The Western W-49 is made of 1095 carbon steel. The exception being that instead of the word Bowie on the pile side it would say "W49." Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. 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. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. This photo illustrates what I mean when I speak of larger pins versus smaller pins. 1,637,685, 2,339,655 thank joe, Here's a thread on another forum that may help you: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopiid/872513/tp/1/. Blade edge is still quite sharp, and blade has been old period cleaned and is . The 4th variant also has larger pins. In addition, their handsome appearance makes them favorites for collectors. JavaScript is disabled. 10 Best Bowie Knives (Reviews) in 2023 - Buying Guide - TheCoolist Well used and somewhat pitted since I got them used. The ones marked W49 with large handle bolts are questionable to me. Charlie, how to identify a Vietnam Western Bowie Fighting Knife, US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY, http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopiid/872513/tp/1/. Cut off the top guard years ago. Check out the latest price. Tweet (75% off), Sale Price 1,722,414 (15% off), Sale Price 4,256,897 My biggest concern with their "chopping" ability is the very thin edge. My cousin (who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969) said he saw knives in country with chrome plating to protect them from moisture. (70% off), Sale Price $89.17 You must log in or register to reply here. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. Original Price 7,118,227 $148.00, $185.00 Average depth of cut with a full swing was about a quarter inch. And, especially thanks for posting it here! Absolutely! Local Furniture Stores in Tramonti di Sopra - Houzz Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. Youve done your homework for sure. The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife is a beast! Western W49 - For Sale Classifieds The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel, 1977 was the first year that Western knives started using the alphabet, starting with the letter "A", to date code their knives. Original Price 2,758,374 Colt revolvers aside, the Bowie knife was the weapon that made the Wild West wild. Camillus produced the W49 until 2006. (25% off), Sale Price 1,435,714 $110. Bid Now: Late 1800s antique British US Western style Bowie knife marked Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! You are using an out of date browser. Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. 3,338,731, 4,173,456 Anyone have experience with them? how to identify a Vietnam Western Bowie Fighting Knife (70% off), Sale Price $184.50 AH, I was unaware of this point. Rare WW11 large Bowie knife made by Jack Soler from Allentown PA was a U.S. Navy Seabee during World War 11. 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. Jim Bowie: The Man, the Myth, and the Knife | Field & Stream This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. But without more evidence to support them the above examples are my recommendation at this time. hardwood handles,leather sheath. "Western" and "Coleman" are both brand names; which is it? To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. Original Price 4,205,911 Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. Original Price 4,063,793 Hey zzyzzogeton thanks for all the info its so hard to find good info on early Bowies but I think I have a correction for you, on Western Bowie #5 Version 1 stainless steel Bowie - It should be blade marked not guard marked WESTERN BOWIE on top of STAINLESS STEEL on top of U.S.A. markings on only one side. It holds a razor sharp edge and for a knife with a 9 inch blade does a wonderful job. (70% off), Sale Price $135.00 Getting back to the subject of Bowies during the Vietnam time period. Original Price $121.68 All items come from a SMOKE-FREE environment! Craftsmanship . 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. Suggestions, Questions, Comments, Concerns, Alerts, Etc Member Store Tips, Tricks & Instructions, The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread, Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread. i still have mine its a hellava knife!! As you can see it also has the small pins in the handle. Boy, I'll say! Original Price $297.22 Wow Colonel, that is very special. I've got several W49 bowies, the oldest dating to around the mid 60s. (50% off), Sale Price 1,912,315 I have spent many hours cruising around here. Take this Hibben bowie knife with you into the most untamed environments and use it under the harshest conditions The bowie has a keenly sharp, 14" stainless steel, clip point blade with a high-polish finish and a beefy profile The red-brown, natural-look wooden handle is complemented by a gold-plated blade catcher and handguard Original Price 2,610,345 (10% off), Sale Price $22.40 I carry it with me on all my excursions. For Sale By: Sanders Knives (Sanders Knives), View all items for sale by Sanders Knives, Shipping & Handling to United States Addresses: $8.50. Covert Knife. Because it still seems like an amazing knife. There is a version of the Western Bowie that appears in the 1968 catalog. (15% off), Sale Price $84.99 While it may not be everyone's self-defense weapon of choice, a Bowie knife is an excellent hunting knife.