Used Case USA 1836 Bowie questions?

[treefarmer]

Got this thing for Christmas, it has been used. I know some brass parts of the sheath are missing. Some of the pictures of this model show Dots and X's following Case dates, this one does not have any dots or x's, what years does it fall into? Also the pile side (is that the right term for a fixed blade?) has 2 small holes, 1/8" wide and maybe 1/16" deep about 1/8" below the spine. What is their function? Noticed several pictures of the same model had these holes. It is much of a knife, a real handful, I can probably use it for a cleaver . Treefarmer

[knifeaholic]

Approximate dates would be 1963/1964 til 1979.

I think the holes were to hold a brass piece that snapped on to cover the blade back. The idea being that in a knife fight the softer brass would cathc the opponents blade edge making it easier to deflect the blade. That brass piece is missing.

[treefarmer]

Steve, Just what I needed to know! Thank you Sir. Treefarmer