Original U.S. WWII Unissued USAAF Imperial Folding Survival Machete Type A-1 with Scabbard & Leg-Tie-Down
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the distinctive WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Type A-1 folding survival machete, manufactured by the Imperial Knife Company of Providence, Rhode Island. Designed to fold into a compact package for inclusion with emergency equipment, the Type A-1 combines a substantial 9 3/4" machete blade with checkered black plastic grips and an ingenious folding steel guard that both protects the blade when closed and locks it securely into position when opened. This example retains its original marked leather scabbard and presents particularly well, with excellent grips and guard assembly.
The left ricasso is clearly stamped:
IMPERIAL
PROV. R.I.
Imperial Knife Company was a major American edged tool manufacturer, and surviving Type A-1 examples are regularly encountered with this Providence maker marking. The Type A-1 is associated with U.S. Army Air Forces emergency and survival equipment of WWII, including the B-4 emergency bail out kit. Period examples of the scabbard are marked with the same Type A-1 nomenclature and stock number found on this example.
The blade on this example is in very good condition, with the original shape well retained, and no edge nicks or chips. It has been heavily sharpened and has finish loss where it has been sharpened. The blade guard is in excellent condition, showing no real damage or oxidation. The grips are in very good shape, showing no wear. There is a leg-tie-down attached at the pommel, and the sheath retains its thong as well.
The Folding Machete comes with an original sharpening stone and white / gray colored leather scabbard with flap and belt loop. It is marked MACHETE WITH SHEATH / TYPE A-1 / NO. 48C3639. on the front. The scabbard is in used but very good condition. There is no sharpening stone in this set. There is some staining on the exterior of the scabbard, but the swivel on the belt loop is still functional, and all stitching is intact.
With its clearly marked IMPERIAL / PROV. R.I. blade, excellent black checkered grips, intact folding guard mechanism, original blade profile, and correctly marked TYPE A-1 / NO. 48C3639 leather scabbard, this remains a very appealing example of an unusual USAAF survival tool. The heavy sharpening and scabbard staining are important condition considerations, but the completeness of the principal components and the distinctive folding design give it excellent display value in a collection focused on U.S. WWII Army Air Forces equipment, aircrew survival gear, emergency equipment, or American military edged tools.
Measurements:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Overall length (open): 17"
Overall Length (closed): 11 5/8"
Scabbard Length: 13" + belt loop
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