First one I've ever seen in person.
Blade marked 51 or 91 on one side. Other side G.N.S.45 and DAH MK III with part of a broad arrow I think.
Handle marked SA over 263
Scabbard marked 8 C broad arrow 642 and 001943
First one I've ever seen in person.
Blade marked 51 or 91 on one side. Other side G.N.S.45 and DAH MK III with part of a broad arrow I think.
Handle marked SA over 263
Scabbard marked 8 C broad arrow 642 and 001943
Nice catch, not very common.
Regards, Jim
Leatherique is said to be the top leather preservative for classic cars. Might be just the thing for that scabbard. Surprising it was dried and cracked that much; not the best tanning originally perhaps.
The extra weight at the tip of the blade makes these more effective, and the fact that the cutting edge is not curved at the tip prevents it "sliding past" what it strikes.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same.
That looks like a very useful piece of kit. Never seen one either.
Great find.
Would some people describe this style of machete as a "Panga"?
Certainly
I would say no. The Panga is an African machete that has a very heavy curved tip with a pronounced point on it. Not sure if the Germans introduced this style or simply copied it but there are claims the Panga is what a WWI colonial machete would be for Germany. They attempt to sell them as such on eBay anyway. I watch them but haven't seen one worth taking a chance on yet. The Germans did make them as their marks are on some of them.Originally Posted by Flying10uk
I know that some British servicemen used the term "Panga" in the Far East during WW2 but I am not sure if they used it when referring to a particular style of machete or just as an alternative word for machete.
Panga in South Africa is just about any large blade [about forearm length, any shape] wielded in one hand for cutting bush, cane, undergrowth, branches in the way, etc.
Probably patterned after the Philippine Golok Bangkung which the US Army would have had experience of.
Also resembles the Parang of Malaysia, Borneo etc.
Not unrealted to the billhook or "fascine knife" either. particularly the one with a reverse hook on the back of the blade whose designation I don't recall now.
Last edited by Surpmil; 09-11-2023 at 12:52 PM.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same.
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