Original U.S. WWII Collins & Co. Legitimus No.18 Machete V44 Knife with Wood Handle - Excellent Condition

Original Items: Only one available. These types of knives are extremely rare on today's market, especially in conditions such as this. Made by Collins & Co. of Hartford, Conn, this is a LEGITIMUS model No. 18 V-44 type “Machete” with wood handle. 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:

COLLINS & CO
LEGITIMUS
MADE IN U.S.A.
No. 18

The blade is in great shape, and looks to still have almost all of the original factory lacquer sealing coat. We have only had one example before that still had this coat, and it means that the knife has seen very little use if any at all. The edge is still sharp, and there is no oxidation that we can see. The blade shows no signs of use.

The leather sheath is also marked with the COLLINS & CO. / LEGITUMUS name around the trademark logo, and is their style 13 sheath. The leather is in very good condition, with just a bit of the usual age-related deterioration. The belt loop is still attached and sound, and the markings are clear. The ornate tooled embossing is still fully visible.

This really is an exceptional example of one of these knives, and would make a perfect addition to any WWII edged weapon collection.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 9 1/8”
Blade style: Clip-point "Bowie" knife
Overall length: 14”
Crossguard:4 1/4”
Scabbard length: 10 1/4" with belt loop

Many 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.