Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive Vietnam War era Western W49 Bowie knife with its original leather scabbard and a wooden wall display plaque. Manufactured by Western Cutlery of Boulder, Colorado, the knife remains in solid condition with light evidence of use and sharpening, an attractive wood grip, and mellow age patina to the brass fittings.

The Western Bowie was introduced commercially during the 1960s and quickly became popular with outdoorsmen, servicemen, and collectors. Its large clip-point blade, substantial brass crossguard, and full-sized grip followed the classic American Bowie knife tradition while using modern commercial construction.

This example is marked on one side of the brass guard:

WESTERN
BOULDER, COLO. U.S.A.

The opposite side is marked:

BOWIE

This guard-marking configuration, together with the three-rivet wood grip, is generally associated by specialized Western collectors with approximately 1967–1968 production. This places the knife firmly within the Vietnam War period. Later examples used different guard or blade markings, including the W49 model designation and, beginning in 1977, alphabetical date codes.

The substantial clip-point blade remains in good solid condition. It shows signs of light use and sharpening, together with expected scratches and surface wear. There is no major damage noted, and the knife retains an impressive overall profile.

The guard and other fittings are brass and have developed an attractive aged patina. There is some green verdigris present where the brass has been in prolonged contact with the leather scabbard. This is typical of stored brass and leather fittings and should be addressed only with careful conservation methods.

The grip is made from rosewood-colored stained wood scales secured to the full tang by three brass rivets. The wood remains attractive and solid, with expected handling wear but no significant damage described.

The original and correct russet-brown leather scabbard is included. It is worn but remains serviceable, with its stitching, rivets, retaining snap, and fittings still present and secure. The attached swivel belt loop remains complete and free from significant damage.

Western introduced this swinging or swivel-style scabbard during the late 1960s. The design allowed the knife to move more freely while worn on the belt, making it more comfortable when sitting, crouching, or moving through the field.

Also included is a wooden wall plaque intended for displaying the knife and scabbard. A small plaque reads:

AUTHENTIC BOWIE KNIFE
CIRCA 1840

This inscription refers to the historic Bowie knife style rather than the actual manufacture date of this Western knife. The display plaque appears to have been assembled by a previous owner and is not a factory Western accessory.

The knife and scabbard show honest period wear while retaining excellent overall visual appeal. The desirable Boulder guard markings, wood grip, original swivel scabbard, and accompanying display plaque make this a particularly attractive Vietnam War era Western Bowie for an edged-weapons, military, or American knife collection.

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 9 3/8"
Handle Length: 5 1/4"
Overall Length: 14 3/4"
Guard Width: Approximately 4 3/7"
Scabbard Length: 10 1/4"
Two-Piece Hanger Length: Approximately 8"