1433 EXTREMELY SCARCE WESTERN VIETNAM SPECIAL FORCES

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This item SOLD at 2023 Dec 03 @ 14:12UTC-5 : EST/CDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 250.00 USD
Estimated at 500.00 - 800.00 USD
BOWIE KNIFE WITH SCABBARD, ATTRIBUTED TO MAJOR GENERAL JOHN MICHAEL LENTI. 1 of only 100 bowie knives produced by Western Cutlery Co. under special order for the United States Special Forces in 1965. According to a letter from Western Cutlery Co. in 1975, these bowie knives were shipped to Fort Bragg where the Special Forces were training, and further added that the 2 piece handle was comprised of rosewood, as compared to the resin handle found on the standard production bowies. The right side of the clipped point blade is etched with the "DE OPRESSO LIBRE" Special Forces insignia, with "WESTERN/ BOWIE/ U.S.A." marked on the left side of the ricasso. Blade features a bright polished finish. Brass "S" pattern crossguard, with aforementioned rosewood grip panels and brass rivets. Blade measures 9 1/4", with the knife measuring 14 1/2" overall. Unmarked brown leather scabbard. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a 1st Aviation Brigade patch, 1 Infantry Combat badge, 1 Special Forces Group "DE OPRESSO LIBRE" insignia badge, 1 unnamed Good Conduct medal. Also included is several scans from the 3rd Special Forces Group roster (showing then Cpt. John Lenti), a 1998 dated biographical sketch of Major General John Michael Lenti, as well as a 1992 dated signed card "to John" from Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant Roy Perez Benavidez, which is accompanied by a scan detailing the action in which he earned the Medal of honor. CONDITION: blade retains the vast majority of its original bright polished finish, exhibiting some scattered spots of light surface pitting, with some spots of darker discoloration, and some spots of light oxidation overall. Brass guard exhibits a heavy patina, with some spots of verdigris. Steel grip frame exhibits some oxidation and discoloration. Rosewood grip is very good overall, with some mild marks from storage and handling, as well as some mild separation from the metal grip frame on the toe of the left grip panel. Sheath exhibits exterior wear from use, with some spots of age related cracking and mild crazing. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (02-18478/MLW). $500-800.