British WW2 Military Issue Folding Machete by A.H.Bisby, Sheffield, dated 1944

*British WW2 Military Issue Folding Machete by A.H.Bisby, Sheffield, dated 1944*

WW2 1944 British Military Folding Machete Fighting Knife by A.H.Bisby, Sheffiled. The makers mark is stamped on the ricasso, 'A.H. Bisby & Co, Sheffield,' along with the year '1944,' and it sports a war arrow stamp on the grip. It features the correct lanyard ring, a riveted handle, and a tin blade cover. When fully extended, the machete measures 390mm, with a blade length of 250mm and when folded, it is 280mm in length. The machete's folding mechanism, operated by a thumb lever at the cross-guard and functions as it should. These machetes were carried by parachutists during their missions behind enemy lines.

In 1942, the Camillus Cutlery Company of New York introduced the U.S. Army's Camillus Folding Survival Machete. It was initially issued to U.S. aircrew members and was designed to be carried folded in a pack attached to parachutes. The introduction of the American machete served as the inspiration for the production of a British version. The British variant differs from the American one only in the inclusion of a lanyard ring.

*Condition*
The blade has some service wear with tarnishing to the blade and pitting to the edges but it opens with a firm snap. It's black grips are in good condition with some minor cracks to be expected of service use. The protective cover is intact though it has a crack to one edge. It is unusual for the protective cover even to survive! Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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