Late 20th Century Commemorative Bowie Knife, 'Legendary Gun of the West – One in a Thousand 1873 Special' Etched Blade, with Leather Sheath

*Late 20th Century Commemorative Bowie Knife, 'Legendary Gun of the West – One in a Thousand 1873 Special' Etched Blade, with Leather Sheath*

- Late 20th century commemorative Bowie knife inspired by the American frontier
- Polished clip-point blade etched with Winchester Model 1873 rifle motif
- Blade inscribed "Legendary Gun of the West", "One in a Thousand" and "1873 Special"
- Hardwood grip with brass slab crossguard, brass pins and oval escutcheon
- Blank ricasso with no maker or country-of-origin markings
- Complete with original brown leather belt sheath
- Attractive display piece for collectors of Western Americana and Winchester memorabilia

A late 20th-century commemorative display Bowie knife celebrating the iconic Winchester Model 1873. Designed as a thematic tribute to Western Americana, it presents an attractive display piece for enthusiasts of frontier history and Winchester memorabilia.

The polished clip-point blade is etched with a depiction of the famous Winchester Model 1873 rifle together with the inscriptions "Legendary Gun of the West", "One in a Thousand" and "1873 Special." The rifle illustration incorporates a circular cartouche marked "1000", referencing the legendary "One of One Thousand" Winchester rifles, among the most desirable factory variations of the Model 1873.

The blade retains much of its original polished finish, with the decorative etching remaining crisp and well defined, making this an eye-catching collector's display piece. The ricasso is plain and carries no manufacturer's mark or country-of-origin stamp.

The hilt features a solid brass slab crossguard paired with factory-contoured hardwood grip scales, mechanically secured by brass pins. One side of the handle incorporates a flush, unengraved oval brass escutcheon plate, providing the opportunity for personalised engraving if desired. The brass fittings complement the traditional Bowie profile and give the knife an attractive period-inspired appearance.

The knife is accompanied by its original brown leather sheath of riveted and stitched construction with twin belt slots to the reverse, offering both practical storage and an attractive presentation.

Although inspired by nineteenth-century Bowie knives and the legendary Winchester Model 1873, the style of manufacture, decorative etching and construction indicate this is a commemorative collector's piece produced during the later twentieth century rather than a period American Bowie knife.

Approximate Measurements: Overall length: 34cm. Blade length: 21.7cm. Maximum blade width: approximately 4cm

History Note:
The Winchester Model 1873 earned the nickname "The Gun That Won the West" and became one of the most iconic lever-action rifles in American history. Among the rarest factory variants were the "One of One Thousand" rifles, exceptionally accurate examples selected during factory testing and sold at a premium price. Their rarity and association with frontier mythology have made them legendary among firearms collectors and inspired numerous commemorative knives and other Western-themed collectables.

*Condition*
The high-polish blade retains clear, crisp factory etching, displaying minor superficial storage scratches together with light surface tarnish and minor oxidation spots towards the clip point and cutting edge, consistent with age and long-term storage. The cutting edge shows light handling marks but no evidence of heavy use. The brass crossguard has developed an attractive natural patina. The hardwood grip scales remain secure with only minor handling marks, small knocks and light age-related wear consistent with careful storage. The oval brass escutcheon remains blank and undamaged. The leather sheath is complete and structurally sound, displaying light creasing, surface scuffs and honest age-related wear while remaining an excellent accompaniment to the knife. Overall, the knife presents very well as a decorative commemorative Bowie and Winchester-themed display piece. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

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