Description
WW2 USMC Hospital Corps Knife / Hospital Corpsmen Bolo made by Chatillon & Sons, original 1944 dated Boyt leather scabbard. Scarce type in excellent overall condition, considering the age.
Original USMC Hospital Corps Knife was designed circa March 1942 and manufactured between 1942–1945 by Chatillon & Sons (NY) and Village Blacksmith 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 used, but it is in better-than-average condition for the type. Original hardwood grips are in great shape with no chips or cracks. The blade is in excellent overall condition; a few minor surface rust spots are noted for accuracy (cleanable). All parts are tight with zero 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 weakly stamped U.S.M.C. / CHATILLION, N.Y. This isn’t your typical jungle machete – this 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 USMC / BOYT / 44, 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.
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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.
