{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usmc-medical-corpsman-bolo-knife-with-boyt-1943-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWII USMC Medical Corpsman Bolo Knife with BOYT 1943 Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice, lightly service used USMC Medical Corpsman knife by Village Blacksmith with \u003cstrong\u003eUSMC \u003c\/strong\u003emarked 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. Corpsmen were issued bolos with the intention of being able to cut wood and bamboo to 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 Marines and were used in many battles according to the Marines that survived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade on this example is in very good condition, and is properly marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.M.C..\u003c\/strong\u003e The blade shows only light from use and age, and is still bright and free of any extensive damage. There is a bit of verdigris on the blade from the scabbard, and some dents on the edge, but it does not look to have seen any major use during service. The grip scales on this example are in very good condition, and show almost no wear, with the edges still crisp and not rounded near the ricasso.\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\u003e U S M C \/ BOYT \/ 43, \u003c\/strong\u003eindicating \u003cstrong\u003e1943 \u003c\/strong\u003emanufacture by \u003cstrong\u003eBoyt Harness Co \u003c\/strong\u003eof Des Moines Iowa, a major leather goods supplier during WWII. They made various slings, holsters, scabbards, and other items for the war. Scabbard has a great aged light brown color, with some verdigris around the rivets, as expected from a knife this age. The original belt hanger is intact, and not bent, and the belt hanger loop is still firmly attached. We did not note any issues with the stitching or rivets. A great service used example of a classic U.S. Marine Corps Bolo Knife, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 11\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: \"Bolo\" Machete\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 16“\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 12\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42202597032005,"sku":"ONSV22KBD32","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV22KBD32__01.jpg?v=1737782959","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usmc-medical-corpsman-bolo-knife-with-boyt-1943-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}