Item:
ONSV21HBC16

Original U.S. WWII USMC Medical Corpsman Bolo Knife by Briddell with BOYT 1942 Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used USMC Medical Corpsman knife by Chatillon with USMC marked and dated leather scabbard. The type used by the Marine Corps in the South Pacific, and like all "Bolo" type knives, were intended as utility tools for clearing brush and light construction. With this knife wood and bamboo could be fashioned into stakes, splints, etc. Though not originally intended as a fighting knife, the close tactics of the Japanese fighting caused these knives to be heavily relied upon by USMC soldiers and were used in many battles according to the marines that survived.

The blade on this example is in good condition, and is properly marked U.S.M.C. / BRIDDELL on the left blade body. The blade does show wear from use and age, and there is light surface staining and rust on parts of the blade, as shown. It does look to have been arsenal sharpened during service, and the blade is still relatively sharp. The grip scales on this example have both unfortunately cracked down the middle, which is somewhat common due to the placement of the rivets. The bottom two rivets are not on the crack line, so the grip scales are still quite firmly in place on the handle.

The scabbard is the standard heavy leather construction with a brass throat. The back is marked on the belt hanger with U S M C / BOYT / 42, indicating 1942 manufacture by Boyt Harness Co of Des Moines Iowa, a major leather goods supplier during WWII. They made various slings, holsters, scabbards, and other items for the war. Scabbard has a great aged brown color, with some verdigris around the rivets, as expected from a knife this age. Original belt hanger is intact, and not bent, and the belt hanger loop is still firmly attached. We did not note any issues with the stitching or rivets, and the scabbard even still has its original leather leg tie down!

A great service used example of a classic U.S. Marine Corps Bolo Knife, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 1/4"
Blade Style: "Bolo" Machete
Overall length: 15“
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11"

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