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Bowie Trio

Three variants of the Western Cutlery W49 Bowie Knife.

2nd Variant is Blade marked WESTERN / BOWIE / USA is 1966-1974 This variant can also be identified by the small rivets in the handle.

3rd Variant is Guard marked WESTERN BOULDER / COLO. USA on one side and BOWIE on the other is 1974-1977 This variant can also be identified by the small rivets in the handle.

5th Variant is Blade marked WESTERN / USA / W49 on one side, date marked "A" 1977 ~ It can also be identified by the larger rivets in the handle.

All 3 were produced in Boulder, Colorado. In 1978 Western Cutlery moved to Longmont, Colorado. In 1984 they became Coleman/Western and knives were produced under that name until 1991 when the company was sold at auction to Camillus and moved to New York. In 2007 Camillus closed its doors.

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Tags: Bowie, Vintage, W49, Western-Cutlery

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Comment by Ron Cooper on November 15, 2013 at 6:07: It sounds like this is gonna be one fancy knife once it's finished. All of the options you've mentioned sound pretty exotic to me. Since it's your knife I'm gonna let you wrestle with the decision of what materials to use. I'm sure it will turn out just fine, whatever you decide to do.

Cheers, my friend. My pillow beckons!

In Memoriam Comment by John McCain on November 15, 2013 at 5:59: Ron, truth is I haven't decided yet, which is why it's not finshed. I'm torn between 4 options 1-A curly maple with a scrolled silver wire inlay( which will require a little more practive before I attempt it) 2-A two wood handle with contrasting shades and nickel dividers in some sort of geometric pattern 3- A stone and wood combination,such as turquoise and maybe ironwood,4- A one wood handle such as snakewood, with a MOP shield inlay.I have all the above material, just have to make up my darned mind. Any thoughts??

Comment by Ron Cooper on November 15, 2013 at 5:00: Looking good, John! What kind of handle's going on that baby?

In Memoriam Comment by John McCain on November 15, 2013 at 4:11: I'm afraid it is too late to help me. This is my next custom,akready in the works- It would appear we are both doomed to an addiction to sharp and pointys!! LOL

Comment by Ron Cooper on November 15, 2013 at 2:36: You sound like you're on a slippery slope already, John? I'd be afraid that I might be enabling you. Save yourself, while you still can! All hope is lost for me. The Bowie Bug owns me and I must do its bidding. I must buy more Bowies! But I do appreciate your offer of sponsorship. Honest, I do!

In Memoriam Comment by John McCain on November 15, 2013 at 1:28: WOW !! I sold Western knives back in the 70's and 80's.If I had known my head from a hat rack back then, I would have a similar collection now. Alas, I was young and stupid back then-(sigh) BTW, I volunteer to be your sponsor to help you with your addiction, providing you let me hold on to those beauties for you. I wouldn't want you to relapse or anything, you understand !! LOL

Comment by Ron Cooper on November 15, 2013 at 0:14: LOL@Craig!

Hold your horses, Big Boy! I intend to grow my Bowie family much, much larger!

I only wish that someone would have warned me before I got the first one! I never knew how addictive they would become. I may need an intervention and then a rehab? *sigh*

Featured Comment by Craig Henry on November 14, 2013 at 23:55: I love those Western Bowies!

You allowed to own that many Bowies in California? Better send one to me before you get in trouble! LOL!