Cold Steel

[butlersrangers]

Does anyone recognize this edged weapon? (Spanish War trophy, Philippine or Moro bring back)?

The context is: 1910 Columbus, Ohio, worn by a young looking National Guard member, while "quieting" Streetcar Worker Strike violence.

[MooseNugget]

Hi BR,

Could possibly be a 1909 Springfield Bolo.

http://www.springfieldedge.com/bolo_knife_m-1909.html

[Culpeper]

You beat me to it

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/amewm_16.htm

.

[MooseNugget]

Sorry Culp,

Could also be a Cuban National Guard bring back machete used during the Spanish America war (long blade on the left)? Just ignore the other smaller blade which is a 1917 bolo.

[Culpeper]

It is astronomically unlikely that a Cuban blade would be part of the Ohio's inventory since it would not be an issue piece, plus the shape would be all rong. Ditto with the 1910 bolo. The shape is wrong and it is too short compared item in the photo.

[Dick Hosmer]

My first thought was an M1887 Hospital Corps Knife, but the bolo is more likely.

[RicKrager]

Greetings, Gents,

Measuring the handle in the enlargement taken from the first photo, I find the following: handle = 1.5 cm, scabbard = 4 cm. (.375)

Moving to the photo of the 1909 Bolo I find these numbers: handle = 3.5 cm, blade = 10 cm, scabbard = 10.5 cm. (.333). This scabbard is visually similar to the one in the reference photo.

Next, the photo of the 1917 Bolo, which appears to be the wrong proportions to the eye: handle = 3.3 cm, scabbard = 8.5 cm. (.388) This scabbard shape does not follow the lines from the first photograph.

While there a many reasons a soldier would be carrying an unusual bladed item, standard issue might be one, personal choice might be allowed, and a trophy from the field could all factor in, as well. All I can offer is basic measurement numbers using the offered samples. That said, the 1909 bolo scores high in similarity.

I await further revelations - RickKrager

[butlersrangers]

The three guys in the 'back of the bus' look pretty young, (late teens or very early 20's, IMO). A war trophy is probably unlikely.

I think the U.S. model 1909 "Bolo" is a good answer.
It would be chronologically possible with events that were happening in 1910.
A bolo would be a mighty handy tool in a National Guard 'tent camp'.

Thanks everyone for the responses.