Description
SA M1904 Hospital Corps Knife Corpsmen Bolo, rare pre-WW1 Springfield Arsenal issue dated 1904, low 3-digit serial number; original leather-n-brass scabbard included. Scarce type in great overall condition, considering the age.
Excellent quality American Model 1904 Hospital Corps Knife manufactured in 1904 at the SPRINGFIELD ARSENAL in Massachusetts; low serial number 346. M1904 was originally designed as a large, but “non-weaponized” knife to aid the Corpsmen with the difficult tasks of setting up a field hospital, clearing foliage, sharpening stakes, etc. – thus the rounded “non-threatening” blade. A scarce type in general as only about 40,000 serial-numbered M1904s were made in total.; the first 236 Bolos were not serial-numbered. SA has began the numbering process with serial 237; all three-digit-serial are VERY hard to find nowadays.
The overall length is about 17-1/4” / 43.8 cm; blade’s length is about 12” / 30.5 cm, about 2-1/4” / 6.5 cm wide, 7/16” / 10 mm thick at ricasso. Bright finish blade is in excellent condition overall; the edge is very sharp still; the rounded tip is intact. No typical dings or bumps on the spine or the handle’s pommel; a couple of tiny edge nicks are noted for accuracy, nothing major. Ricasso is sharply stamped 1904 on one side and with the serial number US / 346 on the other. American walnut handle with contoured finger grooves; an extra-thick bronze “S” handguard, brass butt cup, and pins. The handle is tight; all parts are solid with no play. Grips have few contact marks on the wood. Although this specimen has been used as intended, it is still in much better than average condition for the type.
Original scabbard was made by what looks like Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) , but the original stamp on the leather is hard to read. This scabbard has the “Krag-style” blued steel swivel belt hanger; the hanger is in excellent condition; it is tight with no play. Dark-tinted brass throat is excellent; some age-appropriate green oxidation on contact with the leather is noted for accuracy (cleanable). Dark-brown leather is a bit dry but is very good condition overall, considering it is almost 120 years old. This type is rare this nice and complete as most of these scabbards are in terrible condition due to the exposure to the elements in the field or improper storage after the war. After 100+ years this authentic pre-WW1 American SA M1904 Hospital Corps Knife Corpsmen Bolo and its original scabbard are 100% functional and fully serviceable condition still – don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection!
All original pre-WW1 SA M1904 Hospital Corps Knife specimens in good condition are rare these days – most of these Hospital Corps Bolos were used as intended during WW1, relatively few survived in good condition. This rare pre-WW1 manufacture Bolo knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition; these are the actual photos.
I have a small but very interesting collection of various edged WW1 and WW2 era weapons available for sale. Don’t forget to check out our Militaria section for other WW1 and WW2 era combat knives, including German WW1 era trench knives, vintage USAF WW2 Pilot Knives and a couple of rare WW2 “OSS Drop” knives we offer for sale.
For collectible knives and edged weapons Argo C&C accepts payments via credit cards, personal checks drawn from US-based accounts, certified US-based bank checks, and money orders. Take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Please email me at info@argocoins.com if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.
Due to the size and weight of this Bolo, domestic shipping via USPS Priority Mail for item will be $28, sign-for confirmation and tracking included.
Due to the size and weight of this Bolo, international shipping will be $136 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
