Folding Bowie Help

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SpacedOut
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:55 pm

Folding Bowie Help

Post by SpacedOut »

Just found this today at a local flea market. Interesting lever lock folder. The only markings I can find is on the blade “I.CAL”
and on the lever itself there is a “C” on one side. It’s not that refined, at least factory, definitely handmade I believe. Any info/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

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jerryk25
Posts: 601
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Location: Pittsburgh

Re: Folding Bowie Help

Post by jerryk25 »

Asian Factory production was more "factory / shop"
than Pakistan/India shops.
India / Pakistan has a LOT of brass work. Big thick blocks.

I don't recognize the tang stamp.
The first of this type was a German "Boar hunting" knife.
They have a much better finish. . . Old 1800's or new stuff.

I want to call this 1960's India . . . . .because of the solid toggle.
But the brass cross guard and lever toggle is identical to Pakistan knives.
That the toggle is solid, without a hole, might date it as an earlier knife.
But that's just speculation.

The bolsters of Asian made versions often had decorative grooves .
but I couldn't say that was an absolute definitive marker.
I have an Asia one and it has thinner brass bolsters with 3 grooves.
and a heavy Pakistan with 2 grooves.

Both of mine have very high reflection polished blades.
I can't tell from the photo if the blade is patina grey, or factory grey
or just a photography anomaly.

I seem to think it was modified by previous owner. Maybe buffed up a lot.
I don't recognize the faux safety button.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Folding Bowie Help

Post by Bill DeShivs »

I'm gonna say Pakistani.
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SpacedOut
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:55 pm

Re: Folding Bowie Help

Post by SpacedOut »

Thanks for all the information, didn’t pay a lot for it. I’ll most likely keep it in my collection. You never know what you’ll find. About a month ago I came across a Raimondo 11 inch stiletto. Sometimes you find something worth bringing home!
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john
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Re: Folding Bowie Help

Post by john »

My first impression was made in India, but I’ll go along with the pros.
Very nice Raimondo!
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jerryk25
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Re: Folding Bowie Help

Post by jerryk25 »

Very hard to find Raimondo. . . not impossible. . . .but not seen often.
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