Item:
ONSV2486

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

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a  Model 1917 C.T. Bolo manufactured by Fayette R. Plumb Inc, whose 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 in 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 nicely marked:

PLUMB
ST. LOUIS
1918

The reverse is marked:

U.S. MOD.
1917 C.T.

The stamping on the blade is a bit light 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 still show some of the original black finish, and is in very good condition. There is definitely runner wear from the scabbard, which has worn the finish on the blade flats. There is also definitely post manufacturer sharpening on much of the edge. The main edge of the model 1917, such as this one, is mostly ground from one side, while the other side was left flat. Post manufacture sharpening however was done on both sides, but not enough to significantly change the profile.

The grip is in very good condition, with a good portion of the original texture, and a nice color. Just how we like to see them, with screws still holding both sides tightly.

The leather tip of the canvas scabbard sleeve is deeply marked:

A-K-CO.
1918
R.H.S.

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 stitch pulling. Overall Very Fine, and a great chance to add to any military knife collection. Ready to display!

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