GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Share #1 Posted May 12, 2017 I would like some assistance, please, to identify (and possibly to value) this interesting machete that I recently came across. At first glance, I thought it was German because of the bakelite handle and the blued blade. However, upon closer inspection, I saw that it has the IMPERIAL trademark on the blade ricasso, so it must be American... but what for? Is this a military-issue piece? Is it part of a survival kit? Any input is sure to be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted May 12, 2017 More... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted May 12, 2017 In the folded (closed) position... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted May 12, 2017 Again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted May 12, 2017 The IMPERIAL marking... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted May 12, 2017 Last image (for now). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted May 12, 2017 Share #7 Posted May 12, 2017 Survival machete...US...maybe later 50's-60's... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted May 12, 2017 Share #8 Posted May 12, 2017 Came out in 1948. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pararaftanr2 Posted May 12, 2017 Share #9 Posted May 12, 2017 As issued, these came in a leather sheath with a sharpening stone. Although usually sold as being "WW2", I believe the part number on the sheath indicates they date from 1948. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted May 12, 2017 Share #10 Posted May 12, 2017 That's pretty darn cool. I haven't seen a machete like that before. Nice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustin Posted May 12, 2017 Share #11 Posted May 12, 2017 I agree with the assessments, fiscal year 1947 is the part number, which means it was adopted in late 1946 or early 1947. The issuance of this machete probably wasn't until 1948-1949 at the earliest. I would like to add that it's design origins stem from WWII, in 1944. By the summer of of 1944 the USAAF was transitioning its concepts of what emergency and sustenance equipment should be, during multiple field tests the handle of the standard 10-inch folding machete proved problematic. Over time it evolved into this pattern.. The intended purpose, hence the holster, was designed to be used in conjunction with the Type C-1 vest, not as a component accessory issued with it but rather a supplemental item time stored in the emergency kit aboard the airplane. a compliment to the vest if you will. By the time of its implementation it was a dinosaur, meaning it was no longer a required tool. The jet age ushered in technological advancements namely electronics for distress signaling, and advanced rescue techniques by the helicopter. A machete was no longer really necessary or a military requirement. If the situation was more complex, equipment could be parachuted in having better tools to sustain life. It is likely not many of these Type A-1 machetes got circulated much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Keith Posted May 14, 2017 Share #12 Posted May 14, 2017 Great answer Dustin! Love info like that! Thanks for taking the time to post it. Great Thread. BKW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustin Posted May 14, 2017 Share #13 Posted May 14, 2017 , fiscal year 1947 is the part number, which means it was adopted in late 1946 or early 1947. The issuance of this machete probably wasn't until 1948-1949 at the earliest. I made an error. The drawing and/or part number is 48C3639, that's fiscal year 1948 (late 1947 to early 1948 of adoption) So what I know about this machete is from development during WWII, and its intended purpose. But my document trail stops just prior to its adoption. I'm curious if anyone has any government literature calling out or illustrating this machete? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milcollector Posted June 14, 2017 Share #14 Posted June 14, 2017 That has to be the most complicated and eye appealing machete I have seen. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUMP Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted August 11, 2017 Belated thanks to all contributors to this thread. The information is very useful and much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titanium Posted February 21, 2020 Share #16 Posted February 21, 2020 Pardon the late reply ... I have one of these and also have the prior folding version, both were ebay purchases. As a test I used this model to trim foliage in the backyard in summer 2019. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. It is a cross between a long knife and a machete, meaning it has the swing of a machete, but the weight of a hunting knife, having a near-quarter inch thick spine (yep, 'real thick') It trimmed 2-3" diameter tree branches in about three strikes and handled everything else with single-stroke ease. - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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