The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
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KnuckleDragger
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by KnuckleDragger » Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:18 am

I have a Western Bowie with Bone Handle that I got from my Dad before he passed. I was wondering if anyone can ID it for me. I have tried and can't figure it out. Thanks.
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Surfrat
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by Surfrat » Sat May 06, 2023 8:29 pm

So I picked this up today at a flea market looks like a w49 western Bowie. Trying to get a little more information about it if anyone has some insight that would be great. Would you guys restore this knife or leave it alone?
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Dan In MI
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by Dan In MI » Sun May 07, 2023 4:12 am

Other than any needed cleaning and sharpening, I'd leave it alone. A fantastic find! ::tu::
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Adaptable and (usually) affable knife enthusiast, unsure of his knife collecting destination but enjoying the journey
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Surfrat
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by Surfrat » Sun May 07, 2023 2:07 pm

Thanks for the reply.. how much cleaning would you give this thing? Steel wool and oil? Polish the brass? Would you do anything to the wood handles? I still can't seem to figure out the year of manufacture
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Dan In MI
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by Dan In MI » Mon May 08, 2023 5:27 am

You're welcome! I can't help with the year or manufacture, but I'm sure someone here can. As for what I'd do to it...steel wool and oil for the blade, and polish the guard. The wood might benefit from a little attention, but I don't know what product to recommend.
USN 2000-2006
Adaptable and (usually) affable knife enthusiast, unsure of his knife collecting destination but enjoying the journey
Case taste, Rough Ryder budget
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Surfrat
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by Surfrat » Mon May 08, 2023 10:52 pm

I was hoping someone would chime in with some info but maybe this thread is dead at this point I don't know
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1967redrider
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Re: The Western Bowie / W49 Identification Thread

Post by 1967redrider » Mon May 08, 2023 11:54 pm

Other than what's posted on the first page . . . ::shrug::
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
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