A man's last line of self defense in the Old West was often his trusty bowie knife. It could not jam, run out of ammunition, or misfire. While the majority of fine bowie knives were English made, some American manufacturers, such as B.G.I. Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, “threw their hat into the ring” with a line of sturdy yet elegant bowies. This Antique 1900s Old West B.G.I. Co American Made Jigged Guttapercha Handle No 501 Bowie Knife is in Very Good Condition, with some sharpening and nicking to the blade edge, some scattered nicking to the blade spine, some cleaning, scratching, light pitting, and light spot patina at each side of the blade, the guard having been affixed at a tad bit of an angle, some light verdigris and patina to the guard, some scattered cracking around some of the handle scale pin housings, and with some light overall age wear evident. Otherwise, the knife is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it features a hefty 7 7/8” bright clip point bowie blade with a top false edge, sports elegant jigged dark brown guttapercha (hard rubber) handle scales secured by 3 brass pins, and is stamped at the ricasso with its maker and model, “B.G.I. Co / BRIDGEPORT CONN / No 501”. It boasts a brass full guard, and is complete with the original Antique 1900s B.G.I. Co No 501 Brown Leather Scabbard in Very Good Condition, with only some scattered crazing, scratching, and age wear evident. Otherwise, the scabbard is in fine shape, with absolutely no rips, holes, tears, or other damage. Most interestingly, it’s stamped on the middle of the riveted leather belt loop at the upper back with its matching maker and model, “B.G.I. Co / NO. 501”, bears an understated line of embossing down the sides at front and back, and the set is a fine example of a rare, original Antique 1900s Old West B.G.I. Co American Made Jigged Guttapercha Handle No 501 Bowie Knife.