This is a Collins & Company Model 1005 machete. These machetes were produced for agricultural use and were adapted by the military for use by the Engineer Corps. This one is 20" overall and has a hefty 14 3/4" curved blade. The blade has an overall bright appearance with a couple of dark aged spots here and there. The left side of the blade is stamped No 1005 next to COLLINS & Co. in an arc over HARTFORD. The right side of the blade is stamped with the letter C. There are a couple of small nicks along the cutting edge. This thing still holds a very sharp edge to the blade. The wooden handle is held to the blade tang by four brass rivets. The left grip has been altered to provide a contoured surface for the individuals fingers. As long as you're right handed it feels great in your hand! The handle is very tight to the blade, no wobble or looseness here. These big beefy blade were made to clear brush and small trees and they more than proved worthy of the task. The hand tooled leather scabbard that accompanies this machete is in good condition. There is some loss of the original finish along the top and bottom edges. The brass tip and throat are still securely attached, as well as the leather belt loop on the back. However, the top of the belt loop is broken. On the front of the scabbard below the brass throat the Collins & Co. logo is embossed, a crown with an arm extended above it holding a hammer. Above the log is COLLINS & Co., below LEGITIMUS. Stamped into the scabbard between the hand tooled scrolls is "COC 313 ENGRS" standing for C Company, 313th Engineer battalion. The 313th supported the 88th Infantry Division during both World Wars. During the first World War the 88th Division was formed 5 September, 1917 at Camp Dodge, Iowa. They trained and deployed to France, where they took their place on the line around Alsace. The unit never participated as a full division, but acquitted itself very well in smaller unit actions. The 88th "Blue Devil" Division returned to the US and was deactivated at Camp Dodge, Iowa in June 1919. During World War II the Division was once again activated, to include the 313th Engineer battalion. The division fought in Italy, where the 313th engineers once again supported them. If you have a World War I or II collection this bad boy will work in either.

Item # AA878

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