Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a Western W49 Bowie knife engraved with the name of a US Marine who was unfortunately Killed In Action during the Vietnam War. Sergeant Gerrald A. Stansell, a Squad Leader with Company C “Suicide Charlie”, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Sergeant Stansell was killed by grenade and small arms fire while on patrol in Phu Long after his squad was ambushed next to a rice paddy in the Quang Tin Province of South Vietnam. He is forever remembered on the Vietnam Wall, Panel 5E Line 18.
This Bowie example was produced by “Western USA” and is believed to be the Vietnam War era model of this knife. The earlier Vietnam War era versions were stamped on the blade while the later war ones were stamped on top of the crossguard, like this one with W49 / WESTERN USA. The knife is in good solid condition with signs of minor use and sharpening.
The fittings and guard are made of brass with lovely rosewood colored stained wood grip scales, held on by 3 brass rivets through the tang of the blade. Inlaid in the handle is an incredible hand carved skull which does appear to have been made from bone. The included scabbard appears to be original to the knife and is in solid condition with all stitching and rivets still tight and in good order.
The included history book is for 1/7 “Kelly’s Fighters” during their service in Vietnam. Sergeant Stansell is mentioned multiple times in the book with photos in the Purple Heart recipient section as well as the memorial section, all of which are marked with sticky notes pointing to him.
A wonderful named grouping that is a perfect candidate for further research. Comes more than ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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