An original WW2 USAAF Folding Survival Machete, manufactured by Cattaraugus U.S.A. These compact folding machetes were issued to United States Army Air Force aircrew as part of their emergency survival equipment during the Second World War.

This example includes the original removable metal blade guard, an important component which is often missing from surviving examples. The guard fits over the cutting edge when folded, helping protect both the blade and surrounding equipment within the survival pack.

Blade:

The blade is in excellent condition, retaining a particularly clean, bright finish throughout. It has the distinctive forward-curved single-edge profile associated with these USAAF survival machetes and is clearly maker-marked Cattaraugus U.S.A. to one side.

There are only relatively minor signs of age and use, and overall this is an exceptionally good blade for one of these wartime survival machetes, considerably better than many examples encountered today.

The folding mechanism is also excellent. The blade opens, locks and closes perfectly, folding correctly back into the handle as intended.

Grip & Fittings:

The machete retains its original black composite grip plates, secured by the original rivets. The grips remain in very good condition, showing only expected signs of age and service use.

The steel guard, release catch and folding mechanism are all intact, with the mechanism operating exactly as it should.

Blade Guard:

Importantly, this example retains its original removable metal blade guard. This fits over the cutting edge when the machete is folded and was designed to prevent the exposed edge from damaging surrounding equipment.

These separate guards are often absent from surviving examples, making its presence an important addition to this machete.

Overall:

A particularly good original example of the WW2 USAAF Folding Survival Machete, correctly maker-marked Cattaraugus U.S.A. The excellent bright blade, fully functioning folding and locking mechanism, and presence of the original removable metal blade guard make this a very desirable example of USAAF survival equipment.

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