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How to Collect Western W49 Bowie Knives

The Western Knife Company began making knives in Colorado in 1898. One of the more famous knives they manufactured was the Western W49 Bowie Knife, which was a hunting knife that was approximately 14 inches in length with a large, curved blade. The knives came with a brown leather sheath for carrying the knife. There are a few ways to collect Western W49 Bowie knives.

Instructions

- 1
  Learn more about Bowie knives and the early Western American culture in which they were used. Knowing more about the background of the knife will help you correctly identify Western W49 knives and appreciate the history. One book example is ̶0;Concealed Weapon Laws of the Early Republic: Dueling, Southern Violence, and Moral Reform,̶1; which can be borrowed from your local library or purchased from a bookstore or online.
- 2
  Check out local antique stores and gun and knife shows in your community. Ask antique or knife dealers or collectors about their Western W49 knives and request referrals and information about starting your own collection.
- 3
  Watch community publications for local weapon enthusiast groups and ads for people selling antique knives. Join a group or consider starting one. Creating a community of like-minded enthusiasts will broaden your ability to find and collect knives of interest.
- 4
  Review online auction websites such as eBay for Bonanzle for auctions on Western W49 knives. Watch the auctions at first to get a sense of what the knives are selling at to understand current market value. When you are ready to bid on a knife, ask the seller for many pictures of the knife, including close-up pictures and pictures at different angles. Check the seller̵7;s online ratings from other buyers and inquire about refunds or guarantees before buying. Remember that replicas are very common on auction websites, so use caution when purchasing items online.
- 5
  Purchase W49 knives from other online stores. Again, examine the photos of the knife closely, don̵7;t be afraid to ask the seller questions, and inquire about refund or guarantees on the knife before purchasing.

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