Mystery "machete"

[DaveA]

I found this one a while back and bought it for a song. The sharp and very thick blade is 15 inches and hilt 5 inches. It weighs in at a staggering 4 lbs.
:eek:


No identifying marks. If you have the strength to swing this one, I have no doubt you can cut your way through some heavy jungle.

What is it?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

- Dave A.

[machinist]

I believe that is a U.S. military engineer bolo machete.

[Robert]

I looks like a Collins No. 1005 bolo but at the weight you say it is it might be a copy that someone has made??? :shrug: Sorry to not be of much help.

Best,
Robert

[DaveA]

I looks like a Collins No. 1005 bolo but at the weight you say it is it might be a copy that someone has made??? :shrug: Sorry to not be of much help.

Best,
Robert


Robert, I think you nailed it. I looked up the Collins No. 1005 and this looks like the Type 2 version. The blade has been polished hard over the years and if there is a Collins mark there I can't see it with my bad eyes.

Best Regards,

Dave A.

[DaveA]

Thanks to you and Robert!

[DaveA]

On further research (ok, just Googling), the brass ring around the base of the hilt was a feature added in the Type 3 Collins No. 1005 and is not present in earlier models.

- D

[trenchwarfare]

All I can add is that the scabbard is a Collins No.13. The markings on these machetes were often very light, and easily buffed away.