Look like it was "Semper Fidelis".

The photo was too large. Try reducing to 1000 pixels in width and keeping file size down to 300kb or less.

Here is a quick comparison of your handle and mine. You have a very nice Smith. I like the rounded butt cap.

Jim

That's a beautiful Smithsonian Grif.

Grif,

Here is the entire photo - beautiful knife!!

Jim

Jim, Thanks for posting that, I think that im' learning how to post photos finaly...the sizing part is where I have problems. Regards

Joe,

Do you think this is a '61 Bowie? Maybe a replacement sheath?

EBay Bowie

The 1961 date is what raises the question. What does it infer? Retirement from the Corps? Elistment in the Corps? Commission as an officer? Hard to say, but I do not think the date references when the knife was made.

Could be a replacement sheath, but probably not. I think that sheath is original to the knife.

Large and in charge Raymond Thorp Bowie. I would like to share my RTB with you guy's. It has some features that are not usually seen on this type of knife. It has a #14 style double hilt with drilled thong holes. You could hack off an elephants leg with this thing. Very impressive knife.

Very nice Jimmy. I love those big Randalls.

WOW!!!!!!
Very Cool Jimmy!
I love that old black Micarta and I like that #14 hilt better than the lugged hilt!
Tony