Home Home

WWII USMC Bolo Knife -
A bolo is a large cutting tool similar to the machete, used particularly in the jungles of Indonesia, the Philippines, and in the sugar fields of Cuba. The primary use for the bolo is clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or during trail blazing.

Bolos are also used as military weapons and as such they were a particular favorite of the Filipino resistance during the 1898 Philippine Revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War, and the Commonwealth period. Since the bolo was first used as a farming implement, it was used in combat because during colonial times the ubiquitous bolo was readily available to the common person.

Bolos are characterized by having a wood handle, a full tang, and by a blade that both curves and widens at its tip. This moves the centre of gravity as far forward as possible, giving the knife extra momentum for chopping action.

The item featured here is a US marine Corps (USMC) Bolo knife. The WWII Bolo knife had its origins in the WWI Bolo .




This page is a recognition and identification guide for military fighting knives. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.

One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my fighting knife worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the knives is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.

This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. knife anatomy
  3. knife construction materials
  4. knife makers and markings
  5. Fighting knife blade types
  6. Identifying fakes and reproductions
  7. Purchasing a fighting knife
  8. Perspective View






The design of the knife consisted of wooden handles. Three rivets are used to secure the handkes in place. Single piece steel pommel. The blade is rather large and heavy, this is typical of a bolo knife. The base of the blade is normally marked.

The scabbard is of brown leather construction. Very heavy duty. The back side is stamped with "U.S.M.C., Boyt, 43". The last number indicates the year 1943. The upper portion of the scabbard cover has a wire hook assembly which allows the knife to be attached to a belt.







This edge weapon is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.



If you have an interest is seeing other fighting knives, you can do so by going to our Military Fighting Knives Price Guide identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force, USMC and other organizations.






PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for the Fighting Knives and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com . The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Value $155.00 $140.00 $140.00 $130.00 $0.00
Availability Rare Rare Rare Rare Rare
Invest Grade A A A A A


While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
© 1997 - 2016 - 2019 MilitaryItems.com - All rights reserved.