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c.1977 Western Bowie W49

1977 was the first year that Western knives started using the alphabet, starting with the letter "A", to date code their knives. It was also the last year they were made in Boulder, CO. - They moved to Longmont, CO. in 1978 and continued the alphabet dating code for another 15 years until they were sold at auction to Camillus in 1991. The letters A through O can be seen on their knives depending upon the year of manufacture during the years '77 to '91.

My knife has an abbreviated guard that was done by a previous owner and is currently semi-Bagwellized.

For further info Google: "Bill Bagwell" or "Bagwell Bowie" Re: SOF magazine article c.1987 April issue

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Tags: Bagwell-Bowie, Bowie, Vintage, Western-Cutlery-W49
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Comment by Bruce McLain on October 31, 2015 at 15:02: Beautiful example,very well taken care of knife.The picture says a lot.

Can any one tell me if there were copies of this knife made in India or else where ?

Have just picked up a supposed 64 to 67

I was told bought overseas and was Govt. issued has India stamped with center punch

Overall length is 15-1/2" with blade at 9-7/8" Blade is thicker and guard is wider when compared to my

1977. If any one can shed some light on this I would be thankful .

Also included a back carry system for these knifes I made recentlyfor a client and a sheath I made for my 1977.

Gotta show off when I can

Humbly ( ha ha ) Bruce

Comment by John Terry Wisor on October 29, 2015 at 21:01: The engraving was done by a vender at the base BX in Vietnam who specialized in Zippo lighters Yes that is a pot bellied piglett but the dog in the background was a wet nurse for the piglett as somthing happened to the mother pig.

Comment by Ron Cooper on October 29, 2015 at 1:21: Wow! It's in great shape! You obviously took great care of it. Who did the engraving on your blade? Did you do it or have it done while you were still in country? It's definitely a cool keepsake to pass on to your son some day. I hope he appreciates the history that goes along with it and will someday pass it on to his son or daughter.

BTW, is that a potbellied piglet in that middle picture? Cute lil' critters, ain't they? That mangy mutt behind the tree thinks he's spotted a pork chop on the hoof. lol Thanks for the pics!

Comment by John Terry Wisor on October 28, 2015 at 22:46

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on October 28, 2015 at 20:36: Thank you for your service John. My dad also served in the Vietnam war. What a great knife and pic.

Comment by Ron Cooper on October 28, 2015 at 19:58: That's a great pic, John!

I'd love to see how well it has held up over the years. Do you suppose that you might be able to take a couple of pictures for us?

Also...

Thank you for your service ~ Welcome home!

Comment by Jan Carter on October 28, 2015 at 19:34: You just got here John so don't let him inherit it anytime soon!

Comment by John Terry Wisor on October 28, 2015 at 19:14: I was a young Army PFC at Phu Cat AFB Vietnam 1968 when I got mine. I still have it and my son is waiting to get it someday.