'Africanised' machete
 

From my collection a nice European machete which has been customised. Have any other members got anything similar ? Would this have been done in Africa, or in Europe to appeal to local tastes ?

Very unusual and interesting - I've never seen such before. How is the handle fixed to the blade ? Looks African done.

Regards.

Hi Colin .... the tang is neatly fitted into the wooden grips .. its not a crude 'glue' job, whether the tang is rivetted through the grpis I cant see due to the wire binding . It is very well done , but as you say , most likely African . As to period, I have no idea.
Richmond

Another great find from the 'pile'! I like this one very much, a nice fusion piece. My guess would be somewhere like Benin because of the wood carving style. But it could equally be any number of West African areas.

Age, maybe early 20th century? There has to be someone on the forums who will recognize the blade pattern and have a bit more info? :)

Iain ... good suggestion . I rooted through my machetes and found this 1942 dated example by Beal of Sheffield . It has a very similar blade profile and the 2 scabbards also have much in common . The 'African one could be earlier though as this style of British Army machete was on issue even pre WW1.
Richmond

I have seen quite a few of these "enhanced" machetes on fleabay, over the years. Must've been a popular theme. The style of British machete shown was issued from before WWI, to well after WWII. The wrokmanship on the piece in question, is better than most, and looks to be pre WWII.

I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL MACHETES VERY SIMULAR FROM THE CARRIBEAN, THE ISLAND OF TRINIDAD IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. MANY OF THE ISLANDS WERE OCCUPIED BY TRANSPORTED AFRICANS FROM VARIOUS TRIBES AS A RESULT ALL THINGS AFRICAN DON'T NECESSARLY COME FROM AFRICA. :D
A NICE EXAMPLE SHOWING GOOD AGE.