Metal detector find in back garden Bowie Knife?

[herisson]

That basic design has been around for ages and made by various makers in several countries. With variations in blade length, scale material, minor guard design and rivet numbers they have been made in the U.S., England, Germany and Japan. Some have writing on the blade.
Perhaps someone knowledgeable can point out what the "original" model/maker was.

Made in USA

Made in Germany.

Made in England.

Made in Japan

Made me think immediately of the Svörd Von Tempsky Bowie. The "Bowie" knife was and still is a hugely popular pattern. The first ones (responding to the demand), being made by English cutlers, by the way, for the better off adventurers of the West (traders, land owners,...).
Now, I don't say Jim Bowie went to Australia, before or after Staffordshire... But... On a more serious note, the rust and the state of the handle (even if it's a "rot resistant" wood, like rosewood, cocobolo or sandalwood), would lead me to say 20 to 30 years old at most. Especially, in England's green and pleasant land.

 

[Manse666]

Made me think immediately of the Svörd Von Tempsky Bowie. The "Bowie" knife was and still is a hugely popular pattern. The first ones (responding to the demand), being made by English cutlers, by the way, for the better off adventurers of the West (traders, land owners,...).
Now, I don't say Jim Bowie went to Australia, before or after Staffordshire... But... On a more serious note, the rust and the state of the handle (even if it's a "rot resistant" wood, like rosewood, cocobolo or sandalwood), would lead me to say 20 to 30 years old at most. Especially, in England's green and pleasant land.

Think you’re right about the age, however the handle has started to look worse for wear.

https://imgur.com/a/05GHMEx

 

[herisson]

It keeps on drying... Starts to look like some old piece of oak. This would confirm English made. And as I said, Sheffield was a great purveyor of high end Bowie knives in the second half of 19th century. Still, the relatively low pitting of the blade seems to exclude a historical piece (late 19th, early 20th), unless it was buried in very dry ground (barn, cellar, shack...).

 

[Manse666]

It keeps on drying... Starts to look like some old piece of oak. This would confirm English made. And as I said, Sheffield was a great purveyor of high end Bowie knives in the second half of 19th century. Still, the relatively low pitting of the blade seems to exclude a historical piece (late 19th, early 20th), unless it was buried in very dry ground (barn, cellar, shack...).

Clay soil around where I live, there are several quarries surrounding my house. Not sure if that type of soil would help preserve the blade or not