WW 1 1913 Or ???

[ebooknut]

I found this today at an antique mall and it jumped out at me. I almost passed it up but the wife said we need to buy it. I has a preserative (cosmoline) on it so it probably looks worse than it is.
The scabbard has been carved out of wood and stitched which then has a canvas cover that goes over the wood scabbard. We thought it was a very nice piece.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[jerryd6818]

Boy, not much doubt about the date, is there. That's a neat one and to be in that condition for as old as it is, it's just amazing. You could remove the Cosmoline with boiling water. That's how we got it off the rifles we were issued in boot camp but maybe you should leave it as found. Sorry I can't tell you anything about it but I can certainly appreciate it and admire it.

[Iron Hoarder]

Nice find!! Those are rare in that condition.

Let me change that to extremely rare. Especially with that early of a date. They are called Bolo knives. I'll swap you a really nice pocket knife for it. ( maybe several)::tu::

[robinetn]

That is what is called a smatchet and in that condition for the age , I'm sure that it is quite valuable . Maybe someone more knowledgeable will be along to give a better estimate , but my guess would be $400 - $500 .

Bob

Edit : I believe that ironhoarder is correct , and if so , the value would only be about 1/4 - 1/3 of my previous estimate !

[Iron Hoarder]

The Smatchet is the English version and came much later. It was never put into large scale mass production which is why it is more valuable.

[ebooknut]

Awesome info guys. I paid exactly $150 for this (my old lady made me). The little emblem that was stamped in the blade is so cool looking. It has to be some kind of makers mark. I don't know how old the cosmoline is on it but will leave it as such unless it is needed for zombie killing.
Thanks

[Old Hunter]

This is a Model 1910 Bolo. The emblem is the mark of the US Army Ordnance Corps, the SA is Springfield Armory in Springfield Mass. If you can find a copy of US Military Knives, Book 3, by M.H. Cole you will find some good info and drawings on pages 20/21 (to include the scabbard, which is also an issue item). Your scabbard looks like the "type 1", however it doesn't have the catch (like a type 2) - but nothing else on the scabbard is a type 2 - could be a late type 1 (guess on my part). Your bolo also is lacking the thumb catch release (that mated with the catch on the scabbard) so I bet it was a very early version without the catch (being 1913 - would have been the transition year). These knives/scabbards were made from 1910 to 1918 (59,095 made at SA per Cole's research). Very, very nice - I know a gent in Fayetteville NC would may be able to put an accurate value on it for you. OH

[ebooknut]

Thank you for the info OH. Does the person you have indicated in NC frequent the forums? Since I am in OK it would be kind of hard for a hands on.

[Old Hunter]

No, although he is a long time knife dealer in a big military market (Randall, Buck, Case, all types of military knives, etc.) and he is the guy who told me about this forum a couple of years ago I don't think he ever posts. I will be glad to send him the link via e-mail and ask what he thinks, I will post his answer for you. OH

[ebooknut]

Ok, sounds great. I did see quite a bit of info on the bolo and most all I saw had the little thumb release. Some I saw were really pitted. I saw one for sale on ebay at $300, a 1918 stamp and in very bad shape.
Thanks again.

[gringo]

a quick revie on line for that bolo put the bottom line around $200.oo...they go for more dependent on condition...

old hunter gave good information.

[Old Hunter]

I sent an e-mail linking this thread to my buddy that deals in vintage knives - here is his reply FYI:

"Without actually holding it, I would have to be on the conservative side to say about $200. Everything you mentioned sounds correct. But the serious collector is only looking for a clean "Issue" condition bolo and sheath.
An owner must be very careful as to cleaning such a find. The uninitiated owner tends to want to make it look like new, which destroys the patina that nature has provided, and market value plummets.
In any serious collecting field, condition is paramount, scarcity & demand are secondary. Because the market is still depressed, holding out for more $$$$ will probably be a waste of time. Most serious collectors will pay no more than 50% to 75% of the current market value."

[ebooknut]

I appreciate the time and effort OH, and tell your bud that his info is also appreciated. I will leave it as is with the cosmo on it. If I was close to Las Vegas I could probably get on the Pawn Stars with it and get offered $50 bucks. hah
You guys are the best.