1520 VIETNAM WAR WESTERN PRESENTATION BOWIE KNIFE TO

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 03 @ 17:55UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 350.00 USD
Estimated at 700.00 - 1,100.00 USD
LTC. CHARLES M SIMPSON III. This large visually attractive 9 1/4" blade Bowie knife has an overall length of 14 1/2". Brass crossguard. Full tang handle with smooth Rosewood grips. Made by Western USA. The bright blade is factory marked on the left ricasso "WESTERN" "BOWIE" and "U.S.A.". The right side of the blade is inscribed " TO LTC CHARLES M SIMPSON III FROM THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF CO B 5TH SFG (ABN)1ST SF PLEIKU VIET-NAM". According to consigner supplied internet research Charles M Simpson III was born in 1923. known to family and friends as "Bill" he graduated from West Point and served his country throughout a long and distinguished career in the US Army. While serving in Vietnam in the "Special Forces" as deputy commanding officer of 5th Special Forces Group (air-borne) he was presented with this Bowie knife by the officers and men of Company "B". Charles Simpson retired as a Colonel in 1973 and continued to work in Defense related areas. He wrote a book titled " Inside the Green Berets" in 1983. He died the following year and was buried at West Point. The knife is equipped with a brown leather sheath. UNNATTCHED ACCESSORIES: book "Inside the Green Berets, the First Thirty Years" by Charles M. Simpson. Printed Internet research (6pages) related to biography of Ltc. Simpson. CONDITION: the blade is bright with scattered spots of peppery oxidation. The cutting edge has been very lightly stoned. The crossguard is turning patina. The grips have very light wear and tiny handling marks. The sheath has very light wear and scuffing. The book is in good condition with light edge wear and slight scuffing. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (02-18561/RW). $700-1,100.