Overview
Original Horn Handled Collins & Co. Hartford No. 1005 Engineers Bolo/Machete. Collins made these from the Spanish American War until just after World War 1. 1898-1918. This one having horn handle scales likely puts it on the earlier side of those dates. By WW1 they were almost all wood handles. Huge heavy blade, nice stamp still mostly visible. Horn handle scales have some chips and dings, overall still very solid. Really wild and rare piece, and one of the strangest blades ever issued by the U.S. military.
Collins made these from the Spanish American War until shortly after WWl. They were issued with a tooled scabbard as well as smooth leather like this example. Sometimes the unit designation will be stamped/embossed into the leather. This one still has some of the tooling on the leather, but is also in pretty rough shape and has some holes in the leather.
In general these Machetes were not US marked. Some of the more earlier ones exhibit a Green Horn handle opposed to wood. The horn had a greenish color and tended to be susceptible to insects/worms.
This example is in good condition, and would make a great addition to any edged weapon collection. It has some scratches and patina, has been used and sharpened, otherwise good condition. Comes with original scabbard which is in excellent condition for its age.