WW2 1945 British WD Joseph Westby Sheffield RAF Pilots & Air Crews Folding Machete / Fighting Knife With Blade Guard Other Blade

WW2 1945 British WD Joseph Westby Sheffield RAF Pilots & Air Crews Folding Machete / Fighting Knife With Blade Guard. Sn 20593 - 20593

Joseph Westby was the son of a manager at Brookes and Crookes, the company where he completed his apprenticeship and worked until 1888. After a short partnership with Charles Levick, which ended in 1894, he set up as Joseph Westby & Co Ltd. at Congo Works Trippet Lane. This company was declared insolvent in 1896, but Westby did continue to trade under his name. By 1913 he was listed as a manufacturer of pen and pocket knives in the Times Buildings, Bow Street/Trippet Lane. Westby died in 1929, and the name was not used again until during the Second World War, when it was based in Furnival Street. This is an original WW2 dated British WD Military folding machete / fighting knife by Westby. These Machetes were issued to RAF pilots & air crews. This example has the correct riveted handle and removable tin blade cover. The machete measures 16" extended & 11 ¼” folded. The 10” blade has some staining consistent with age & service use. The blade is marked by the manufacturer " Joseph Westby Sheffield " on one side and the reverse has “1945” date and WD arrow. It's black Bakelite grips are secure & undamaged. The Machete's folding lock action operated by thumb lever at the cross guard works as it should. The grip frame has a holed lug for wrist strap. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20593

£275.00