Summary: one of two very unusual, custom pieces purchased from the original owner many moons ago. This was definitely never a catalog offering, most of Jimmy's early Bowie knives were long-bladed (9-12" blades), which makes this 6-3/4" bladed Bowie rather unique. The script signed blade (Hand Made by James B. Lile) is made from 3/16" stock -- overall length of the knife is 11-1/2". The amber stag handle is fat and deep cut, early Lile knives with stag like this are few and far between.

Neither this nor the cleaver I have listed for sale ever came with sheaths -- the original owner stated he bought ALL his Jimmy Lile knives directly from Jimmy and Marilyn at shows down in Texas. This knife was simply out on the table, no sheath was with it and the owner didn't want Jimmy to drag it all the way back to Arkansas to get leather made for it.

Condition: excellent / unused. As with most all of Jimmy's early knives, you'll find a spot here and there, a blemish or two in the blade steel. I noticed a couple of minor checks in the stag down near the butt plate -- quite small and certainly not going anywhere. Some tarnish / light wipe marks on the brass hilt and steel butt plate, both will clean up quickly and I'd be happy to do it for you.

9 photos for review -- as shown, I've included a custom brown suede case for storage. This is a great piece, a very unique Lile Bowie knife in a rather rare configuration. Perfect for long term investment purposes -- thanks and good luck..