WW1 U.S. Model 1909 Bolo Knife.

The model 1909 Bolo knife was a rugged tool designed to aid US soldiers in clearing jungle foliage, especially in areas like Cuba and the Philippines. It was particularly useful for machine gun units during WW1 where clearing firing lanes was essential. Manufactured by the Springfield Armory from 1909 to 1915, with approximately 17,000 made.

This Bolo knife is a very well made heavy duty piece of equipment. It features a tempered, high-carbon steel blade that I would rate overall in decent condition, although there is wear and staining in places. On one side of the blade it is marked “SA” indicating the manufacturer “Springfield Armoury”. Underneath this we have the usual flaming bomb insignia and date 1915. On the opposite side of the blade it is marked “US” indicating U.S. military issue with reference number “17530”.

Nice condition solid walnut grip, secured by three brass rivets and a brass end cap.
Solid, thick steel, rounded cross-guard with a hole to one side to secure it to the scabbard.

The scabbard is equally as impressive as the knife itself. Made from leather, with a metal throat and thick leather belt loop. The scabbards displays markings on both sides. The Markings on the rear side are very faint and lightly stamped, see photos. It reads “Rock Island Arsenal” which is the location of where the scabbards were produced. The front of the scabbard is marked with “23 N.Y.” “MG” and the number “6”, indicating New York-based machine gun unit 6.
The condition of the scabbard is very good apart from a small piece of leather missing from the lower tip.

A heavy duty very impressive WW1 bolo knife.