Machete - Bolo style & scabbard

Historical information

Used to clear scrub and undergrowth and to trim branches during seed collection.
This particular machete is a replica of those manufactured by Martindale of Birmingham (England) - being Ralph Martindale and Company Limited.
Established in England in 1874, the company is a manufacturer of hand tools, particularly machetes made from hot-rolled British steel.
The three grooves on either side of the blade assist in removing the blade from sapwood. They extend to the tang of the blade to form a mechanical lock with the handle. The handles are made from German beech wood.
The British Bolo style machete was the one most commonly used by the Australian Army during WW2.
A canvas scabbard was issued with the machete. The scabbard has brass reinforcement of the throat and seven brass rivets holding the longitudinal closure. On the reverse of the scabbard is a webbing belt loop with an extension and loop with a brass press-stud to hold the machete handle
Machetes were acquired by the Forests Commission as Army surplus.
The scabbard was issued to E.W.Goon of Unit 2/8th Btn 2nd AIF for service in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War

Physical description

Steel-bladed machete with wooden handle held by three brass rivets

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