The original Smithsonian Bowie knife...
Which the RMK Smithsonian is based on.
I don't readily find that this is already on the Forum, so excuse any duplication.
Photos are available via the link:
https://www.si.edu/object/confederate-bowie-knife-and-scabbard:nmah_438749
Object Details
Description
This bowie knife was found on the battlefield of Perryville, Kentucky.
It is claimed that the bowie knife was designed by Rezin Bowie, the brother of James Bowie, and made by blacksmith James Black. The blade, made of steel, was up to 14 inches long. Its shape enabled the cowboy or mountain man to skin or disembowel an animal. In general, the bowie is usually classified as any large knife with a clip point. It was popular from the 1840s through 1865 and used by United States troops during the Mexican War and on the frontier during the disturbances in Kansas and Missouri in the 1850s. During the Civil War, it was popular with Confederate soldiers, whose arms generally were inferior.
Associated Date: 1862
ID Number: AF.32398
catalog number: 32398
accession number: 68826
Object Name: knife
Other Terms: knife; Edged Weapons; CSA, Army; Bowie
Physical Description: steel (overall material), wood (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 5 in x 17 3/4 in x 1 1/2 in
found in: United States: Kentucky
_________________________
Larry W. Williams
RKCC #CM-041
ABKA #046
RKS #1246