Original U.S. Pre-WWI Rare Model 1910 Bolo Knife by Springfield Armory with Locking Canvas Scabbard - Dated 1912

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service-used Model 1910 Bolo knife, manufactured by the storied Springfield Armory of Springfield, Massachusetts. This model is almost identical to the later model 1917 by Plumb, with the exception of the scabbard catch on the 1910. Also, the 1917 issue were all Parkerized, while the model 1910 was issued in bright steel. These are incredibly difficult to find!

The M-1910 Bolo Knife was adopted to be used for clearing brush and foliage from fields of fire or for cutting through jungle growth. The M-1910 Bolo Knife was produced at the Springfield Armory between 1910 and 1917, and official armory records indicated just under 60,000 were produced. Many of these were refurbished for use in WW2 and parkerized, but this knife is still in the WW1 configuration.

The blade is nicely marked:

S A
(flaming bomb)
1912

On the reverse side:

US
9652

Grip and ricasso show some browning due to corrosion, but still have some of the original blued finish present. The blade has been sharpened once or twice. There are also signs of past corrosion that has been removed, giving it a nice service worn look. The grip scales are in good condition, but definitely do show denting and chipping.

The standard M-1910 Bolo Scabbard was fashioned much in the same manner of the M-1910 bayonet scabbard with wood covered in sewn pigskin, a metal throat, metal belt hanger, and a canvas cover with leather tip. It was then modified in 1917 to remove the securing hook for the knife, as that feature was removed though not done on this example. The leather tip of the canvas scabbard is stamped BAUER BROS 1917 / D.M..

The scabbard does show age and staining, and the canvas and leather are now quite dark in color. However it is still overall in solid used condition, with a great aged look. The scabbard lock still works great.

Overall a very fine and rare example of a WWI brush clearing knife, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 1/4"
Blade Style: "Bolo" Machete
Overall length: 15“
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11"