The Gun Counter

Wife and I were in Wilmington today, and on the way back, we tried to stop at a health food store, which turned out to be closed. Next door was a pawn shop, which advertised as having guns. We walked inside to check it out. Mostly new shotguns, a Mosin-Nagant, and a bunch of Hi-Points. There were a few Silver Eagles, which I actually was looking for, but they were priced too high. I did see a Barber half dollar right at spot, so I bought that. Beneath that was a large, military looking knife. The guy told me that it was a 1910 Bolo knife that an old lady had on her mantle, and I wasn't sure if it was a repro or not. It was priced well, so we bought it. Did some research, and it looks like it's either a 1910 Bolo that lost its sheath catch, or one that had been re-arsenaled to 1917 specs. Anyways, it's something interesting that will go well with my WWI 1911. For $100, I was willing to make the gamble.

The date on the blade is 1910, and it's made by Springfield Armory. One grip is cracked, and the grip screws may or may not be correct. There are hex nuts retaining them, which I'm certain are wrong. I'll have to see if I can fix that.

Nice catch! My birthday is January the first....

Here's some amplifying information:

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_edged_weap ... s_bolo.php

And for your viewing pleasure, a few pictures are in this thread:

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... 15664.html

I'm guessing that there is a reason to put it on their left side, unless they're all left handed. If I had a sidearm, I would put it on my left, or behind my pistol, but I don't know why a bunch of machine gunners would have them on their left. Thoughts?

JAG2955 wrote: I'm guessing that there is a reason to put it on their left side, unless they're all left handed. If I had a sidearm, I would put it on my left, or behind my pistol, but I don't know why a bunch of machine gunners would have them on their left. Thoughts?

I'm thinking they are considering it more of a utility tool than a weapon, therefore fast draw not a major consideration.

Also, notice the gunner has his canteen on his right rear, so it might be weight distribution as well, especially if he is wearing a sidearm on his right.

Those Bolo knives remind me of the knives that OSS agents were supposed to have carried for close-in fighting.