Summary: this is a large Bowie knife that Jimmy gave as a Christmas gift back in 1971. The original owner (Gene Swanson) was a friend and business associate of Jimmy's, Gene was a representative who supplied products that Jimmy used in his shop. I purchased the knife directly from Gene who provided the information about the knife.

Knife basics: 12" tool steel blade, long 3-7/8" brass hilt, and aged elephant ivory handle with brass pins. Overall length: 17-5/8". The ivory has aged nicely, does have checks on both sides but is still rock solid. This Bowie has never been used -- blade has changed color a bit over time and looks absolutely beautiful. There is engraving on both sides of the blade, as follows:

Front Side:

Hand Made by James B. Lile

***Note the two RC harness marks below the script signature in photo 7***

Back Side:

Presented To My Friend
Gene Swanson by Jimmy Lile
12-25-71

7 photos for review -- no sheath accompanied the knife, but I'll pack it well in some type of nice carry case. This is an awesome early Bowie with solid provenance -- it's really neat that it was a Christmas gift and etched with that date. This year on Christmas day marks the 40th anniversary of the knife, a fitting time to let this old Lile Bowie go to a new home. Thanks and good luck.