Original U.S. WWI Model 1909 Bolo Knife by Plumb Philadelphia with 1909-Dated Scabbard by Rock Island Arsenal - Dated 1917
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original U.S. WWI Model 1909 Bolo Knife manufactured by Plumb of Philadelphia in 1917, complete with an earlier 1909-dated Rock Island Arsenal leather scabbard. The M1909 was developed as a heavy utility bolo for troops operating in tropical environments, particularly where clearing brush and vegetation was an everyday requirement.
The pattern originated before WWI and was initially produced at Springfield Armory beginning in 1909. Its broad, forward-weighted blade made it especially effective for chopping vegetation, cutting brush, and carrying out general field work. Although primarily a utility tool, its size and weight also made it capable of serving as a close-combat weapon when necessary.
The M-1909 features a 13 1/2" heavy straight back blade, with a curved cutting edge with a big belly near the tip. The heavy ended blade made these very effective for clearing brush and jungle debris, as well as making them excellent hand weapons in close combat. The edge is single beveled, which helps with strength and ease of sharpening.
This example is in great service-used condition, with some oxidation staining to the blade and heavy scuffing to the handle. The wooden handle still has a beautiful color, and just has some scuffing on both sides, with the brass rivets still secure. The blade is marked near the cross guard with PLUMB / PHILA / FLAMING BOMB / 1917 on one side, and U.S. / 54004 on the reverse. This denotes it was manufactured in 1917 by Fayette R. Plumb Inc, in Philadelphia. The bottom of the crossguard is stamped 7F, a possible unit stamp.
The original leather scabbard is in great condition, and is marked by the maker on the reverse ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL / 1909 / T.C.C.. It still retains the hanging ring at the tip, and only shows crazing and finish wear.
The M1909 Bolo remained an important part of U.S. military field equipment into the First World War period, even as later bolo patterns were introduced. Wartime contractor production such as this 1917 Plumb example reflects the continued demand for heavy utility blades during the expansion of the U.S. Army.
The combination of the 1917 Plumb Philadelphia blade marking, U.S. serial number 54004, secure original grip assembly, 1909 Rock Island Arsenal scabbard, T.C.C. marking, and surviving suspension ring makes this a strong representative example of the Model 1909 Bolo in WWI service. The oxidation staining, grip scuffing, and leather crazing are consistent with genuine age and use, while the dated knife and scabbard provide especially good manufacturing history.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 13 7/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge "Bolo" Machete Style
Overall length: 19 1/4“
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 14½"
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