American 'Plumb' Bolo Knife

[Tomb1302]

Hey all,

 

Recently came across this in a small antique store near me, and, I was pretty intrigued. It is a 1917 'Plumb' bolo knife with a sheath marked 'Brauer Bros 1918'. The vendor had it priced at around $220 (~170 GBP), but I can likely cut a little off that (no pun intended).

 

It looks in really good condition, and is marked accordingly (check pictures).

 

I just wanted to know; What's its story in WWI, and, is it genuine?

 

eBay link for reference on the design: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Knife-Bolo-WW1-U-S-St-Louis-Early-1900s-By-Plumb-Brauer-Bros-Scabbard-War-Tool-/192610657063

 

[Knife and sheath]

['Braeur Bros 1918']

['U.S MOD 1917 CT']

['PLUMB St. Louis 1918']

 

Thanks,

 

Tomb

Edited 20 January , 2019 by Tomb1302

[Tomb1302]

Just going to add that the purchase is going to be made tomorrow, so, if anyone could confirm it's authenticity before then, I'd appreciate that; Thanks.

[Dave66]

There's a bit of info here...http://www.old-smithy.info/bayonets/HTNL DOCUMNETS/US Bolo Knives.htm

Also one on here for comparison....http://www.agmilitaria.com/shop.php

 

Dave.

Edited 20 January , 2019 by Dave66
Added link

[Torrey McLean]

Hello, Tomb - These bolo knives are not uncommon in the US and I have examined many and have several in my collection.  The one that you ask about appears to me to be completely genuine, but the scabbard tip has a hole that the soldier must have made.   The price is somewhat high but not unreasonable, assuming that the scabbard has the insert.  I suggest that you check "bolo" in American ebay for an idea about prices, condition, etc.  Regards, Torrey 

[Tomb1302]

Thank you both! One worry I have, however, is my reading leads me to believe that these were heavily 'civilian manufactured' as well.

 

How can I identify and distinguish that?

[derekb]

Does it or Doesn’t it have marks on it to indicate US ownership, the three US bayonets I have are clearly marked starting with U.S.

 

D.

[Tomb1302]

Just now, derekb said:

Does it or Doesn’t it have marks on it to indicate US ownership, the three US bayonets I have are clearly marked starting with U.S.

 

D.

It is marked 'U.S MOD 1917 CT'

[Tomb1302]

Opted to hold on because I couldn't distinguish it from the potential (?) civilian model.