WWII U.S. Military Imperial Folding Machete with Type A-1 Leather Sheath View Watchlist >
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Lot # F421
System ID # 29086860
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WWII U.S. Military Imperial Folding Machete with Type A-1 Leather Sheath
A wartime-issue U.S. military folding machete manufactured by Imperial Knife Co., Providence, R.I., paired with its original Type A-1 leather sheath stamped "MACHETE WITH SHEATH / TYPE A-1 / NO. 48C3689." The 10-inch carbon steel blade folds into a black composition handle with a diamond-checkered grip panel and copper rivets — a compact survival tool issued primarily to U.S. Army Air Forces aircrew for jungle and bailout kits during the Second World War.
Designed for paratroopers, bomber crews, and downed pilots operating in dense terrain across the Pacific and CBI theaters, the folding machete was a standard component of emergency kits stowed in aircraft seat-pack survival rigs. The hinged handle allowed the full-length blade to collapse safely against the spine for stowage in the rigid leather scabbard, which clipped to a web belt via the integral loop tab at the top. A practical and increasingly collectible piece of WWII-era U.S. issued field equipment.
CONDITION
Good overall. Blade shows scuffing and surface rust/oxidation consistent with age and field use; no remarkable damage. One crack to the composition handle near the pivot. Leather sheath is supple with scuffing, soiling, and honest wear; maker stamp remains legible. Original sharpening stone present in the sheath pocket.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall Length (open): 17"
- Blade Length: 10"
- Maker: Imperial Knife Co., Providence, R.I.
- Sheath Stamp: MACHETE WITH SHEATH / TYPE A-1 / NO. 48C3689
- Materials: Carbon steel blade, composition handle, leather sheath
- Includes: Folding machete, Type A-1 leather sheath, sharpening stone
