{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-era-western-w49-bowie-knife-with-correct-leather-scabbard-and-wall-display-circa-1967-1968","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Western W49 Bowie Knife with Correct Leather Scabbard and Wall Display - Circa 1967–1968","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is marked on one side of the brass guard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWESTERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOULDER, COLO. U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite side is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOWIE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guard-marking configuration, together with the three-rivet wood grip, is generally associated by specialized Western collectors with \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 1967–1968 production\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestern 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a wooden wall plaque intended for displaying the knife and scabbard. A small plaque reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHENTIC BOWIE KNIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCIRCA 1840\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 9 3\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eHandle Length: 5 1\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 14 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eGuard Width: Approximately 4 3\/7\"\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 10 1\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eTwo-Piece Hanger Length: Approximately 8\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45389718323269,"sku":"ONJR26OL0135","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/49D42791-BD2B-43D9-A195-5A8A40009C69.jpg?v=1784743289","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-era-western-w49-bowie-knife-with-correct-leather-scabbard-and-wall-display-circa-1967-1968","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}