Bowie Knife, 1855-1865

Bowie knives were popular with Confederate soldiers during the early Civil War. (Many soldiers even posed for the photographer holding them.) Local blacksmiths made most of these knives, selling them to recruits who brought them along when they enlisted. Occasionally, the knives were issued to troops. Bowie knives were made by over a hundred different makers - including some factories - all over the South.