In a letter from the Western Cutlery dated Sept 22 1978 the Company stated that they made these Bowie knives on special order for the U.S. Special forces in 1965 (see page 168 of US Military Knives Book III By Cole). These knives were a development of the WW2 V44 USMC combat knife. This is a very rare Vietnam era United States Special Forces Western Combat Survival Bowie. It is a huge knife measuring 14 ½” in length with correct American rose wood grips secured by 3 brass rivets, a heavy brass cross guard and a broad steel bowie blade (9 ½” length, 2” broad at its widest, spine 4mm thick). The blade has just light staining consistent with age and no damage to the cutting edge. The blade is stamped by the manufacturer ‘Western USA W 49 F’. It is in its original brown leather scabbard with belt loop which has a retaining strap & brass ‘Western’ embossed press stud fastener. The belt loop is fitted with hanger ring attached to an additional leather belt loop. All leather and stitching are intact with just light service wear. The front of the scabbard at the throat is faintly embossed ‘Western Cutlery’. The price for this very rare Vietnam war era piece includes UK delivery. Sn 22246
£795.00