RARE**WW2 1943 British WD Ralph Martindale Chindit Paratroopers / RAF Pilots Short Machete Fighting Knife & Original WD 1943 Dated Leather Scabbard By ‘BHG’ (Barrow Hepburn & Gale) With Correct Strap Assembly For Leg Carry. Sn 23758 Other Blade

**RARE**WW2 1943 British WD Ralph Martindale Chindit Paratroopers / RAF Pilots Short Machete Fighting Knife & Original WD 1943 Dated Leather Scabbard By ‘BHG’ (Barrow Hepburn & Gale) With Correct Strap Assembly For Leg Carry. Sn 23758 - 23758

An original WW2 Chindit Paratroopers/ Pilots short machete fighting knife by Ralph Martindale who made these machetes for the British War Department. These weapons were originally made for British Paratroopers operating in the Far East during WW2, however they were also adopted by Pilots in the RAF, see pages 109 and 110 of 'British and Commonwealth Military Knives' book by Flook and plate 251 page 110 where a period image of an RAF pilot boarding the cockpit of his aircraft with one of these machetes in its scabbard strapped to his leg is illustrated (reproduced in image 1). The machete has a heavy double edged blade which is 9 ¾” long and 2 ¼” wide at its widest point. The grips are a chequered composite material and are secured by three copper rivets to prevent rusting. The handle is holed for wrist cord. The blade has faint etched Martindale maker’s name above WD arrow together with Crocodile trademark above ‘Registered’ and 1943 date on one side. The blade has staining consistent with age and service use, there is no damage to the cutting edge. The machete measures 14 ¾” overall length. These weapons are not usually found with their scabbards. This example is complete with its original matching date leather scabbard which has a single retaining strap with press stud fastener, riveted to the body and leather strap assembly with buckles for belt or leg carry. The rear of the scabbard towards the lower edge is impressed with WD arrow and by the manufacturer ‘BHG’ (Barrow Hepburn & Gale is a British luxury leather goods manufacturer best known as the producer of the despatch boxes used by the Government of the United Kingdom. In the Second World War, the company aided the British war effort as they had done in the First World War, producing leather goods for the government. The tanneries at the Grange in Bermondsey were destroyed during the Blitz. George Odey, the director of Barrow Hepburn and Gale since 1933, would be appointed a CBE for his company's contributions). It is also stamped with 1943 date. All leather, stitching and rivets are intact. The price for this rare piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23758 (FS box)

£695.00