For details on US Army, Navy and Airforce machetes see Cole, US Military Knives, Book III. These were survival and landing force weapons and came in a variety of blade lengths, markings, finish, handle material, etc. This type is illustrated as No. 12 the top of page 153. Stated blade length is 18” but actual length is 18-1/4.” Cole notes the 18” blade variety like this was packed in the “Global Survival Kit ‘A-26’” and “was also used in kits of many of the airborne troops of W.W. II.” These had a rough finish black blades and he records this  pattern as having a black plastic handle, but this one is clearly blackened wood.

The blade is deeply stamped on the reverse side of the blade: “US / [hammer and crown]/ LEGITIMUS / COLLINS & CO / 1944.” These marks are struck deeply enough to appear faintly in mirror image on the obverse side of the blade. The blackening of the blade shows wear, mixing with lighter spots to give an overall gray impression, darker toward the grip, with a few scattered thin brown spots. The grip likewise shows some rubbing from use, mainly toward the back where the back edge of one’s hand would rest, but there are no cracks or chips. The edge of the blade tang shows a thin brown as do the grip rivets. The grips show a slight shrinkage gap along the tang.

This is housed in an olive-drab canvas scabbard with black ink marking,  “US / Williamsville Buff Mfg. Co. / 1944.” Throat pieces and belt hook are in place. It has some minor stains and faint “19” in red on the obverse.

This is a good WW2 machete and interesting variant in the grip material.  [sr][ph:m]

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