{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-western-w49-bowie-knife-with-correct-leather-scabbard-circa-1967-1968","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War Western W49 Bowie Knife with Correct Leather Scabbard - 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 with leather thong. Manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eWestern Cutlery of Boulder, Colorado\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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\u003cstrong\u003eWESTERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOULDER, COLO. U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite side is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOWIE\u003c\/strong\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 approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1967–1968 \u003c\/strong\u003eproduction. 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, with some oxidation peppering in spots along the edge of the blade as shown. \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 in fantastic condition, with its stitching, rivets, retaining snap, and fittings still present and secure. The attached swivel belt loop remains complete and free from significant damage. The finish retains a great bright color and there is an original leather thong strung through the hole at the tip. \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\u003eThe knife and scabbard show period wear while retaining excellent overall visual appeal. The desirable Boulder guard markings, wood grip, and original swivel scabbard 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\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46103683301445,"sku":"ONJROCPC026","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/CAD1571E-5342-4EF0-8226-9A992AFE4929.jpg?v=1792779274","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-western-w49-bowie-knife-with-correct-leather-scabbard-circa-1967-1968","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}