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Looking for Information

My husband is looking for information on this knife that he inherited from his father. The stamps on the knife read:

12 536

1911

Any information anyone can offer up would be much appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Ms Data on August 31, 2014 at 20:16

Can't say for sure but the "SA 1911" was a common makers mark used for the military for Springfield Armory made knives or bayonets for their rifles. Difficult to see the holes from this picture but quite possibly a Springfield Armory made rifle bayonet.

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on August 31, 2014 at 20:27

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

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Permalink Reply by Ms Data on September 1, 2014 at 8:59

Nice find JJ!

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on September 1, 2014 at 15:38

JJ is correct- It is a M-1909 Bolo knife manufactured between 1909- 1915-- 17,540 were made during that time- Yours, have the serial # 12,536 was produced in 1911 as stated on the stamp-- These were used primarily in the long 14" blade version like yours for clearing brush by machine gun emplacements or scouts for clearing away brush-- General price range for resale is $175- 300 with sheath- Actually, the sheath / scabbard is usually rarer and worth more than the knife as a rule.-- Still, a great knife and worth some bucks-- Some collectors think having the sheath is a big deal, others not so much--- If you do by chance have the sheath / scabbard show a good pic of it-- There were a couple of versions of it, and some are worth considerably more than others-Therre are folks on Ebay and elsewhere selling museum reproductions as the real thing-- Telltale pristine condition and much lighter shade wood handles-- FYI