{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usmc-collins-co-legitimus-no-18-machete-v44-knife-with-ega-pin-leather-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWII USMC Collins \u0026 Co. Legitimus No.18 Machete V44 Knife with EGA Pin Leather Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only one available. These types of knives are extremely rare on today's market, especially ones outfitted with an original WWII \u003cstrong\u003eUSMC EGA\u003c\/strong\u003e Pin on the Scabbard! Made by Collins \u0026amp; Co. of Hartford, Conn, this is a \u003cstrong\u003eLEGITIMUS\u003c\/strong\u003e model No. 18 \u003cspan\u003eV-44 type \u003c\/span\u003eMachete. This Bowie style knife measures 14 inches long overall, with a 9 3\/8 inch clip point blade. Blade is 2 inches wide at the widest point. It is offered in excellent condition complete with leather sheath. The ricasso is nicely marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOLLINS \u0026amp; CO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(COLLINS LOGO)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLEGITIMUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMADE IN U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. 18\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is in great shape, thought it does show light staining. The black composite grip is in great shape with just a small ship on the toe, and no wobbling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tooled leather sheath is clearly marked with the \u003cstrong\u003eCOLLINS \u0026amp; CO. \/ LEGITIMUS\u003c\/strong\u003e name around the Collins logo, and is their style \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c\/strong\u003e sheath. The leather is sound and supple, and the lovely tooled leather designs are still visible. Additionally, the throat has been outfitted with an original WWII Brass USMC EGA pin! Verdigris around this pin shows that this is no recent addition. The back of the pin has also worn the blade a bit, indicating it was probably done in service. The belt loop is intact and ready to be worn, and even has a rope loop added to retain the grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people think that these were exclusively used by the Marine Corps, and while that is true the connection to the USMC is only a minimal fraction of this blades history. It's principle legacy lies within the Army Air Corp or Army Air Force depending on the era you are referencing. Following the declaration of war in December 1941 emergency procurement were made to include the procurement of 9 inch machetes the Collins #18 being one manufacture. The Collins #18 would have been acquired by the AAF at this time to fill emergency requisitions to supply new contracts of the old type emergency parachute kits and to supplement other kits until the 10 inch folding machete became available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31253828304965,"sku":"ONSV5460","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV5460__02.jpg?v=1594982198","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usmc-collins-co-legitimus-no-18-machete-v44-knife-with-ega-pin-leather-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}