{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usmc-bolo-knife-by-village-blacksmith-with-boyt-1944-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWII USMC Bolo Knife by Village Blacksmith with BOYT 1944 Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice USMC Medical Corpsman knife by Village Blacksmith with \u003cstrong\u003eUSMC\u003c\/strong\u003e marked and dated leather scabbard. The type used by the Marine Corps in the South Pacific, and like all \"Bolo\" type knives, were intended as utility tools for clearing brush and light construction. With this knife wood and bamboo could be fashioned into stakes, splints, etc. Though not originally intended as a fighting knife, the close tactics of the Japanese fighting caused these knives to be heavily relied upon by USMC soldiers and were used in many battles according to the marines that survived.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade on this example is in very good condition, and is properly marked \u003cstrong\u003eUSMC \/ VILLAGE BLACKSMITH\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left blade body. The blade does have some minor staining and pitting from age and being in a scabbard for decades, however overall it is very solid. The spine appears as if the bolo was used as a hammer, which was not uncommon. The edge is great, and relatively sharp. It does appear to have been sharpened somewhat, but nothing major. The grip scales are also in very good condition, with all rivets intact, and only a small chip off the tip of the right scale and a small crack near the blade. Color indicates that the knife was not used that much at all.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard is the standard heavy leather construction with a brass throat. The back is marked on the belt hanger with \u003cstrong\u003eU S M C \/ BOYT \/ 44\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating 1944 manufacture by Boyt Harness Co of Des Moines Iowa, a major leather goods supplier during WWII. They made various slings, holsters, scabbards, and other items for the war.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great example of a classic U.S. Marine Corps Bolo Knife, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40169339912261,"sku":"ONSV22KBD37","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22KBD37__02.jpg?v=1656725084","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usmc-bolo-knife-by-village-blacksmith-with-boyt-1944-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}