South American bowie??

[Sajen]

Today I won, in my opinion, a very interesting knife. It's 34 cm long with a blade from 22,5 cm. On the spine side it's sharpened near the tip.
Mexican? Another Middle or South American origin? Any thoughts about its origin?

[Jim McDougall]

Fascinating example!!!
This looks like a kinds of knives and edged weapons from Southern Mexico, Oaxaca in particular, where such weapons have long been produced. The scabbard etc. are notably similar to known examples.
The term 'Bowie' is of course collectively used to describe large frontier knives from 19th century America which gained popularity accordingly into Mexico.
Extremely nice one!!!!

[Sajen]

Hi Jim,

Thank you very much for your comment and for confirming my guess that it's a possible Mexican knife. I did a little bit of online research after your hint regarding Oaxaca, the knives shown are very similar, especially the pommel and the inlaid handle horn scales. But the pommels by the found examples show mostly an eagle instead of a horse and most of the blades show etchings. And the leather scabbards are less fancy.

Regards,
Detlef

[Jim McDougall]

You're right Detlef, mostly the eagle was used as it has to do with the Mexican national symbol, but horse heads were known, just not as common. The blades also were usually engraved with dichos (sayings and phrases) but as with everything, there are many exceptions.

Scabbards also are often very personal, and often charros, who are Mexican 'cowboys' customized gear and trappings. Flamboyance is very much in the Mexican character, and they are a most colorful people.

[Sajen]

Jim, thank you very much for your further explanations!

Best,
Detlef

[Sajen]

A "Oaxaca knife" from the 19th century typically refers to a style of large, heavy-bladed knife or dagger, often with a distinctive handle, that was made in and around Oaxaca, Mexico. These knives, sometimes referred to as "Oaxaca swords" or "Oaxaca Bowie knives", often feature bone or horn handles, brass bolsters, and a large steel blade. They may be engraved with Spanish phrases or depictions of eagles.
Characteristics of 19th Century Oaxaca Knives:
Blade: Typically a large, heavy blade, similar in style to a Bowie knife.
Handle: Often made of bone (likely cow leg) or horn, with brass bolsters.
Decoration: May feature engraved Spanish phrases, depictions of eagles or horses, or other decorative elements.
Sheath: Scabbards were often made of leather and could be highly customized.
Historical Context:
Oaxaca knives were popular in the 19th century, reflecting the region's tradition of metalworking and knife-making.
While they may resemble Bowie knives, they are a distinct regional style, popular among Mexican cowboys (charros) and others.
The style continued to be produced well into the 20th century.
Experts on VikingSword.com have discussed how Mexican charros (Mexican cowboys) would often customize their knives and scabbards.

[Jim McDougall]

As they say here in Texas, 'well....there ya have it!'