U.S. – U.S.N. Mk 2 Machete. Cole’s variation no. 4. It has a 22” bright blade with black plastic handles. It is 27 “ long overall. The left ricasso is boldly marked; “US”, the Collins & Co, Legitimus “logo”, and dated “1942”. This Mk 2 has darkened pitting stains on the left side, noticeable around the ricasso markings, and intermittently down the edges of that side. The right-side blade has four groups of light finger stains, this side is quite nicer in condition from the obverse. Still, I would rate the bright original finish on 80%+ of the blade. The edge has been sharpened and used, the blade is full, and there are no major dings or nicks to the edge. The black plastic handles are held with five steel rivets, which retain some amount of their black paint finish. The steel tang, visible at the edges of the plastic grips, has darkened from use and time. The heavy russet leather scabbard is stamped “U.S. BOYT 1942” on the leather tab that attaches the steel belt devise to the scabbard. The scabbard edges have stitching and iron staples. There is some flaking to the edges, and some handling and use scrapes overall. The tip of the scabbard has been folded in. This could be corrected with conservation. Overall, the scabbard is solid and in very good condition. These larger Mk 2 machetes with their leather scabbards are far less common than the 18” model. Both machete and scabbard are very nicely marked and dated. Price: $260.00 (ref B-882)