US Army Air Force Folding Machete

Stopped by an antique market on the way home today and found this in one of the cases. Blade under the guard looks like it was never used. Has some light surface rust/staining on exposed areas. Wasn't exactly sure what it was but did recall seeing them in military collections. Issued in emergency kits in the Pacific Theater in WWII.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...kv0scomk-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...wnhfujpe-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...arefhvgu-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...rgvjzdkp-1.jpg

This last photo shows the locking mechanism. Seems pretty strong. You have to push it to the side using the large "thumb" "button" and fold the blade. The folding aspect seems to lead to some criticism of the knife but was for space savings. The Navy issued a non folding version in it's boat survival kits.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...a6expbuq-1.jpg

Looks more useful than a folding spade with a rifle hole cut in it as far as good military ideas go.

Seems like a really good condition example.

Outstanding!

It cleaned up real nice. Just some slight staining on the blade and two areas of minor pitting. Compared to what's on ebay, its almost mint. I actually came home before I bought it and researched them a bit. Figured $68 was a pretty good price.

Funny the folding shovels were mentioned, I got two of them at a yard sale on Saturday.

First one I didn't recognize but it was US marked and dated 1968 so is Vietnam era. Second one I couldn't find markings on but looked legit. Asked how much for the 1968 and the guy told me $5 for the pair. Got them home and cleaned the second a bit and found it was a US 1944 so WWII. Actually used the 1968 today to dig a couple very small holes, it was handy, don't usually do that sort of thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

Funny the folding shovels were mentioned, I got two of them at a yard sale on Saturday.

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Are they the McAdam shield Shovels?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ldshovel-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4/shovel-1.jpg

If they are you will be getting a PM from me.

Shield shovels..........! Who comes up with these ideas. Talking of which....... I read in my local newspaper that kids in schools, news reporters and those others in people-related employment are not allowed to call shovels 'spades' any more. It's all to do with ethnicity and other stuff.............

No, they are standard US issue folding entrenching tools is the proper terminology I guess.