WW2 British Military Machete by J.J.B. 1943 with Dark Brown Leather Scabbard by B.H. & G. Ltd 1966

Here on offer is an original example of a WW2 British military machete by J.J.B. 1943 with a thick dark brown leather scabbard by B.H. & G. Ltd 1966.

The two black composite grip slabs are in good solid condition with just some slight warping at the top. They are fitted securely to the blade tang by five large copper rivets. The back of one of the rivets has lost its washer fixing, but the rivet is still in place. There is a hole at the top so a lanyard or rope strap can be fitted.

One of the slabs has the number 12, with a WD arrow mark, stamped into it.

The 14.6” heavy steel blade is also in great condition and still retains a sharp cutting edge.

It now has a polished finish with light age pitting marks and staining, along with signs of sharpening and nicks to the cutting and top edge.

On one side it is stamped with the maker’s mark, being a J.J.B., above the date 1943 and the WD arrow mark.

I can’t find out who the maker J.J.B. is? There is a theory that it may relate to J. & J. BEAL Ltd, of Sheffield. They started business back in the 1870’s but in 1956, Beal’s became part of Ralph Martindale & Co, the machete makers of Birmingham.

The original heavy duty brown leather scabbard is in good condition with most of the original stitching and rivets in place. There is some loss of stitching at the very tip, where the leather has been split. There is also a spilt in the leather to one side of about 2.5”.

It retains its large belt loop and single retaining strap with stud fastener, that is in great usable condition.

On the back of the loop it is impressed with the maker’s details, being B.H. & G. Ltd together with a date that is hard to make out, but looks like 1966?

I believe that B.H.& G. Ltd indicates it was made by Barrow, Hepburn & Gale of Bermondsey, London. They were established in the 1700’s and are internationally known as the manufacturer of the iconic Red Dispatch Boxes; a symbol of democracy & Britain’s constitutional monarchy. They are also known for making numerous military related leather items.

Therefore, it would appear that B.H.& G. Ltd made replacement scabbards for WW2 period machetes that needed to be reissued by the British Army.

This is a great opportunity to add a genuine British WW2 machete to your collection.

The machete measures 19.75” (50.2cm) long and has a 14.6” (37cm) blade.

With the scabbard, it weighs a heavy 910g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition that complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51523