I believe this Smithsonian Bowie and Arkansas Toothpick set may pre-date the Faisal sets we so often hear about. I estimate this set was at or near the beginning of sets and Toothpick production, probably mid 1953, and could be the second set made. It has beautiful ivory, with the only light crack in the Toothpick on the reverse side of the knife.

In Bob Hunt’s book, “Rare, Unique, and Experimental”, on pages 60-61, the author describes a set like the set described here. He states best to Gary Randall’s memory, the set from the museum is the first set ever made. Gary’s initials are engraved on the escutcheon plates.  This set is virtually identical except for one unusual feature, no lugs on the hilt!! 

The Smitty is a brass-back, and both blades are chromed for display.

Concave handle shape, with oblong nickel silver escutcheon plates.

Leather washers separate the collar and coolie cap from the ivory.

The fluted collar and coolie cap are crudely done as we have come to expect from the period, and truly give us a window into the very early 1950’s showcasing new models. It makes these knives look as though they could be from the middle to late 1800’s.

To repeat, the most unique feature is lug-less hilts. I do not recall ever seeing this on Bowies of an early vintage. A really nice look that sets these knives apart from others.

The Smitty is in an excellent H.H. Heiser sheath, while the Toothpick is in a Clarence Moore sheath.

This is as good as it gets in early Bowies.