Description
Original Clyde Cutlery WW2 USMC Hospital Corps Knife / Corpsmen Bolo, original 1942 dated BOYT leather scabbard. Rare maker, excellent overall condition, considering the age.
Original USMC Hospital Corps Knife was designed circa March 1942 and manufactured between 1942–1945 by Clyde Cutlery Co. The USMC Hospital Corps Knife (also unofficially called Hospital Corpsmen Bolo) was not a combat weapon, but a field tool for cutting bamboo, branches, and clearing trails. Unlike the standard-issue US MK2 Machete, the Hospital Corps Knife was ideally suited to do the heavier work in the lush environments of the Pacific where the Marine Corps fought in WW2. The USMC Hospital Corps Knife was also the Marines’ standard issue during the Korean War. This particular type is illustrated as the WW2 era survival machete on page 71 of U.S. MILITARY KNIVES; BOOK TWO published in 1973 by Michael H. Cole – a well-established expert and the author of a number of books on the subject of the US military edged weapons (see the book’s scan attached).
This WW2 USMC Hospital Corps Knife is only slightly used, but it is in excellent overall condition for the type as most of these heavy-duty bolos were used in the jungle as intended. Original hardwood grips are in great shape with no chips. One thing microcrack on one scale is noted for accuracy. The blade is in excellent overall condition with most of the original patina remaining; a few minor surface rust spots are noted for accuracy (cleanable). All parts are tight with no play. This big boy is about 16-1/2″ / 42 cm overall; the blade is about 11-1/2″ / 29.2 cm long; about 6 mm thick. Ricasso is nicely etched with Clyde Cut oval logo / MADE IN U.S.A. This isn’t your typical jungle machete – this Clyde Cutlery WW2 USMC Hospital Corps Knife and scabbard weight about 2 lbs. 10.5 oz / 1.2 kg.
Original heavy-duty BOYT leather scabbard with brass throat/fittings and brass belt hook in excellent overall condition. The back is marked on the belt hanger US / BOYT / 42, indicating 1944 manufacture by Boyt Harness Co. of Des Moines Iowa – a major leather goods supplier to the US government during the war. Boyt Harness Co made various slings, holsters, scabbards, and other items required for the war effort. This scarce WW2 USMC Hospital Corps Knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way. It is in 100% original “as purchased” condition. These are the actual photos.
For knives and similar edged items Argocoins accepts credit cards payments (all major cards are accepted). Please email me at info@argocoins.com if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Old-fashioned checks and money orders will work just as well; please take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.
DELIVERY WITHIN THE US VIA USPS PRIORITY MAIL FOR THIS ITEM WILL BE $19.95.
USPS International Priority Mail shipping for this item will be $93 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
