Designed by Admiral John Dahlgren as a replacement for the sword pattern bayonets then used on the 1861 Plymouth Rifle, the Dahlgren Bowie was a weapon made with an eye for the kind of brutal, up-close combat that unfolds during boarding actions, shore landings, and similar events; in essence, it's a nasty monster of a knife that can, in a pinch, be used as a bayonet. 16 5/8 inches overall, with a 12 inch asymmetrical clip point blade, marked "USN/D.R/1863" on the right ricasso and bearing the Ames address on the left. Brass and wood grip, with a "DR" cartouche on the pommel. Leather sheath, with a brass throat and tip.

Very good. The blade has been polished, with mild spotting, light scratches, and minor rounding of the tip. The hilt shows a mixed antique brass patina, with some flattening of the left side exterior of the muzzle ring, mild dents, and some light scratches on the wood. The sheath is good, with cracking and flaking.