British WWI Machete by Samuel Kitchin, Sheffield, Dated 1917

An original First World War British military machete manufactured by Samuel Kitchin & Co., Sheffield, and dated 1917. These machetes were issued as general-purpose cutting tools for use in trench, engineering, and supply work, and occasionally as close-combat weapons in certain theatres of operation. The blade is single-edged, broad, and slightly curved, with a full tang construction secured by riveted composite grips. The maker’s mark, Samuel Kitchin & Co., Sheffield, is stamped in the blade, alongside the 1917 date.

Dimensions

Overall length: approx. 20 inches (513mm)

Blade length: approx. 14.75 inches (375mm)

Condition
Poor, the blade shows light pitting consistent with age and service use. Edge has several major chips towards the top half of the blade. The grips are fairly damaged with a couple of splits. All rivets remain firm with no looseness.