Original Item. Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Army Model 1917 Bolo Knife manufactured in 1918 by Fayette R. Plumb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, complete with its canvas-covered scabbard. Developed during the First World War, the Model 1917 was a substantial military cutting tool intended primarily for clearing vegetation, preparing field positions, and other demanding camp and trench duties.

The knife retains its characteristic broad, forward-weighted steel blade, with a single cutting edge sweeping toward a rounded point. The blade is stamped near the ricasso:

U.S. MOD. 1917

The opposite side bears the manufacturer's identification:

PLUMB PHILA 1918

The handle consists of two contoured wooden grip scales secured by metal fasteners, with a curved steel pommel cap and straight steel crossguard. The guard has a small circular opening near one end, while the grip retains its distinctive ergonomic shape. The accompanying scabbard has a tan canvas-covered body, a metal throat, and a stitched brown leather tip reinforcement.

The knife is in fair to good overall condition, with considerable wear from age and use. The blade retains its full profile but shows extensive scratches, sharpening marks, areas of dark discoloration, and surface oxidation, particularly toward the point. The wooden grip has pronounced handling wear, dents, and visible cracking near the lower fastener, while the steel fittings have developed a dull gray patina. The scabbard is heavily worn, with widespread staining and soiling to the canvas, fraying and localized fabric loss near the throat, and substantial scuffing, darkening, and deterioration to the leather tip. The principal markings remain legible, and the knife and scabbard retain their characteristic wartime appearance.

Measurements:

Blade Length: 10" [25.4 cm]
Overall Length: 16" [40.6 cm]
Crossguard Width: 4" [10.2 cm]
Scabbard Length: 11" [27.9 cm]

Historical Context

The American military bolo developed from the cutting implements encountered by U.S. troops in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War of 1898. Bolos had long been used throughout the islands for agricultural work, clearing vegetation, and everyday cutting tasks. Their broad blades and substantial weight made them useful in the tropical conditions faced by American soldiers during the Philippine-American War and the years that followed.

The U.S. Army eventually adopted its own standardized bolo patterns, beginning with the Model 1909 and followed by the Model 1910. These tools became particularly useful to artillery and machine-gun personnel, who frequently needed to clear vegetation from firing positions and maintain unobstructed fields of observation. They also proved practical for preparing camps, cutting material for temporary shelters, and performing the routine manual work required in the field.

When the United States entered the First World War in April 1917, the Army faced the enormous task of equipping rapidly expanding forces. Established American tool manufacturers were called upon to produce military implements in quantities far beyond peacetime requirements. Fayette R. Plumb, whose manufacturing works were located in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia, was well positioned to undertake this work. The company had already been manufacturing tools for Allied governments during the preceding years of the conflict, providing valuable experience with military production requirements.

During the summer of 1917, Plumb received a government contract for 20,000 bolos of the artillery pattern. As production progressed, the company's engineers identified opportunities to simplify the existing design. One particular difficulty involved the mechanism used to secure the knife inside its scabbard. The earlier arrangement incorporated a locking catch on the bolo itself, which required additional manufacturing operations and had proven inconvenient in service.

Working with the Army Ordnance Department, Plumb helped develop a revised arrangement that eliminated the catch from the knife and transferred the retaining mechanism to a spring housed within the scabbard. This modification became a defining characteristic of the Model 1917 bolo. It reduced manufacturing complexity and allowed the tool to be produced more efficiently while retaining the secure carrying arrangement required for military use.

Scabbard production presented its own difficulties. The metal throat had to be manufactured to sufficiently close tolerances to hold the blade securely and prevent excessive movement while the soldier was carrying it. Plumb's experience with precision forging and high-volume manufacture led to additional government orders for these fittings. The company ultimately supplied approximately 121,000 metal scabbard mouthpieces before other contractors were ready to assume production.

The revised bolo entered service at a time when the American Expeditionary Forces were preparing for large-scale operations in France. Trench warfare placed considerable demands on soldiers performing field maintenance, particularly those responsible for machine-gun emplacements and temporary defensive works. Brush and branches needed to be cleared, firing positions maintained, and materials gathered for camouflage and shelter construction. The bolo's chopping ability made it a useful tool for such work. Its heavy blade could also be employed as a defensive weapon when necessary.

Following the Armistice of November 11, 1918, American military bolos remained in government inventories alongside other wartime equipment. Their usefulness as heavy cutting tools continued beyond the First World War, particularly as the Army maintained equipment intended for fieldwork and service in difficult terrain. The Model 1917 therefore belongs to an important period in the development of standardized American military field equipment, when established commercial toolmakers helped meet the unprecedented demands of wartime mobilization.