The U.S govt. had contracted with several knife makers for these knives in the 1880's. This is a civilian "Chuckwagon"  version made to the same specifications as the military model.  It's blade is 9 1/2" x 3 1/4" and exhibits the serated top teeth for sawing through bone and is still razor sharp.  The 5 1/2" handle has a small dime size chip out of the left end and has a great looking patina. Every cattle drive had a cook and chuchwagon and this knife was an indispensible part of it. Displays very nicely in any Western collection. 

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