Buck custom Bowie / age and value?

[knfcollector]

I just picked up a large Bowie knife on a plaque that is marked Buck CUSTOM U.S.A. It has laminated wood handles that are coffin shaped and held on with 5 spun rivets. The blade is sabre ground and ten inches in length. The knife also has a heavy brass guard and is mint. Can anyone help to determine its age and value? Thank You in advance.

 

[Buckcustom]

Knfcollector,

The Bowie knife you have is a Model 903. It has been called by several different names in the Buck catalogs. One name is Buck Custom Bowie. Another name when it came with a plaque like yours and was called the Wall Hanging Buck Bowie.I have also seen them called Special Bowie and Texas Bowie. These knives were made in Buck's custom shop. They were available with different handle materials. Some had etched blades, such as the H.H. Buck blacksmith shop knife. The custom shop was open from 1982 through 1993. The 903 Bowie was available as early as 1982, however the earliest it was offered with the wall plaque was 1988. Your knife should therefore date between 1988 and 1993. That's as accurate as I can date it anyhow. The suggested retail in 1993 was $220. I have seen them go for anywhere from $200 to $275.
Hope this helps you.


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John Foresman
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI

 

[Joe Houser]

Oh yeah? Well i knew that!

But seriously, John is absolutely correct, and he should know. If you ever get a chance to go to the Blade show, work your way over to where the Buck Collectors club displays are. Take an hour or so to admire John's collection of Buck custom knives! He has an awesome display and knows the "story" behind every knife.

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123