Scarce* Spanish M1907 Artillery Bolo Knife and Scabbard by Toledo Arms Factory. ED 2384. Knives

The Bolo knife has long been a tool used for clearing jungle brush and for various agricultural purposes. To this day, bolo knives are forged in villages across the archipelago. It is inspired by the classic falcata sword (not unlike the Greek machaira) used by the ancient Iberians. Sometimes offered as Span-Am weapons, they were manufactured usually after 1916, where stocks of the previous longer, albeit flimsier, pattern 1881 machete were exhausted. They held on in service until the end of the Spanish Civil War. Although designed primarily for artillery troops, it was later extended to engineers and medical services (their primary use was as a tool for opening boxes, making improvised wooden items such as stretchers and so forth). The reverse ricasso shows a five digit serial number ‘36474’. The obverse is marked “Artilleria / Fabrica de Toledo” with the symbol of the Spanish artillery between. This has led to the identification of these knives as artillery weapons, but the artillery of the Spanish Army was the branch in charge of the acquiring, inspecting, and distributing all the army’s weapons, so the mark is not branch specific. Like other military bolo knives of the period it was designed for use as a small machete to hack away underbrush to clear positions, etc, though it could double as a fighting knife if necessary. A very nice Spanish military bolo knife with bright blade. The obverse blade flat is very good with just a couple of minor age related stains. The reverse shows a few more but is very good overall. The light brown checkered wood grip is excellent. The grip is contoured and the pommel is curved bird’s head that would keep it from slipping out of one’s grasp. The crossguard, pommel and retaining spring catch along the backstrap are also good. The black leather scabbard shows some wear but is solid, the stitching and metalwork are all in place. The belt frog stud is solid. The price for this scarce blade and scabbard includes UK delivery. ED 2384.