Original U.S. Vietnam War Unissued Special Forces Counter Insurgency Support Officer Bolo Machete With Original 1973 Dated Packaging - Banana Knife
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Original Item: Only One Available. Original Item. Only One Available. This is an exceptional unissued example of the short bolo machete associated with the U.S. Counterinsurgency Support Office, or CISO, and Special Forces operations during the Vietnam War. Sometimes referred to by collectors as the “banana knife,” this compact jungle machete retains virtually all of its original black blade finish, excellent wooden grip scales, leather wrist loop, nylon sheath, and, most importantly, its original 1973-dated packaging.
The Counterinsurgency Support Office was established on Okinawa in 1963 to supply clothing, weapons and equipment to Special Forces operating in Vietnam. Principally run by Ben Baker, the office issued standard and untraceable (sterile) gear as well as locally developed items such as the bolo knife, the indigenous rucksack, tiger stripe fatigues and Viet Cong style black pajamas.
The SOG Bolo was sourced by Conrad B. (Ben) Baker of the Counter-Insurgency Support Office also known as CISO. Baker was named the Deputy Chief of CISO in June 1963. He also designed the famous SOG Bowie Knife. The Bolo was a shorter replacement for the US Issue Machete and was based on traditional Asian designs, sometimes called a banana knife. The Bolo was often worn stuffed in the rucksack along the spine to protect the wearer.
The bolo shows signs of very little use, being in unissued condition. The wooden grip scales are in excellent condition, without damage and are attached to the tang by 3 flathead brass bolts. The bolo still retains all of its original black finish on the blade and still has the original leather loop tied through the bottom of the handle. The nylon sheath is in near perfect condition The top metal “guide” still retains all of its original black finish with all rivets retained.
The original packaging is stenciled:
N.F.S.N.
MACHETE, WOODEN HANDLE,
W/ CANVAS SHEATH
1 EA
DAJB17-73-C-0190
A-3/73
This denotes a repacking date of March 1973, during the Vietnam War. There is some wear and tearing to the packaging but to have any of the packaging still retained at all is a rarity.
The bolo’s nearly untouched black finish, excellent wooden grip, original leather loop, complete nylon sheath, and surviving 1973 packaging make this a particularly complete example of CISO-associated Vietnam War equipment. Its apparent lack of field wear is especially valuable because it preserves the original finish and construction details normally altered through jungle use.
Dimensions:
Blade Length: 10 ½”
Blade Style: Bolo Machete
Grip Length: 5 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 12”
- This product is available for international shipping.
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