Item:
ONSV21HBC17

Original U.S. WWI Model 1917 Bolo Knife by Plumb St. Louis with Canvas Scabbard - dated 1918

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Model 1917 C.T. Bolo knife, manufactured by Fayette R. Plumb Inc, whose main factory was in the Bridesburg region of Philadelphia, PA. They had another factory, just constructed, in St. Louis as well, and 1917 bolos were produced at both.

This model was a moderate simplification of the earlier 1910 Bolo made by Springfield Armory. The main difference is the lack of the catch mechanism on the scabbard and grip. It was manufactured by contractors such as Plumb and A.C. Co. The blade ricasso is faintly marked:

PLUMB
ST. LOU[IS]
1918

The reverse is marked:

U.S. MOD.
1917 C.T.

The stamping on the blade is a bit light and partly off the blade on the maker side, so the factory may not have yet properly set up their blade stamping machinery when this example was produced.

Blade and ricasso have had most of the original finish removed, with some areas of light oxidation. This definitely appears to be a bolo that saw significant use in the field. It has definitely been sharpened multiple times, but it was well done, most likely at arsenal. The main edge of the model 1917, such as this one, is mostly ground from one side, while the other side was left flat. The original profile is still mostly intact.

The grip is in very good condition, with most of the original "ribbed texture, and a nice color. There are no chips, cracks, or major chunks missing, just some small dents. Just how we like to see them, with screws still holding both sides tightly.

The leather tip of the canvas scabbard sleeve is maker marked H G with inspector marking E.O.N.. The scabbard is in very good condition, with no real issues with the canvas or leather portions aside from the expected wear from 100 years of age, and a bit of fabric shrinking. Really a great example of one of these scabbards.

Overall in very good service used condition, and a great chance to add to any military knife collection. 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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