This is one of only approximately 50 of these U.S. Model 1902 Bolo bayonets reportedly manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1902, with another 6 reportedly manufactured in 1903. There is only a small handful of surviving examples, as nearly all of these saw hard jungle use as issued in the Philippines for field trials. Developed at the beginning of the 20th century for use with the Krag-Jorgensen rifle, the Model 1902 Bolo Bayonet was one of the U.S. Army's attempts at a hybrid weapon that could reduce the loadout an individual soldier had to carry into the field. Intended for use in jungle environments, the Bolo could serve as both a bayonet and a brush clearing tool, as well as being able to serve as an entrenching tool in a pinch. Noted as making the Krag-Jorgensen rifle front-heavy when mounted, the 1902 was indeed found to be both a good brush knife and a functional bayonet. While generally more liked than prior hybrid weapons, development was halted with the introduction of the 1903 Springfield, with its ill-fated integral rod bayonet; while interest was expressed in keeping the 1902 Bolo as a dedicated brush knife, the Army opted to retire it in favor of then-issued standard machetes. Measures 15 inches overall, with a 10 3/8 inch blade dated "1902" on the left ricasso and marked "US" on the right, standard Krag-Jorgensen pattern bayonet hilt, with bright iron hardware and smooth walnut grip panels. These bayonets are described on page 124 of Lt. Col. William S. Brophy's book "The Krag Rifle", with another example photographed on pages 125 and 128-129, and also described in detail on pages 189-214 (chapter 6) of Donald J. Hartman's book "The U.S. Krag Bayonets: History, Variations, Modifications". Scabbard is absent.

Very good as jungle used, with scattered patches of light pitting, freckling and some nicks on the edge of the blade with sharp markings, the exposed iron sections of the handle/hilt showing a brown patina, and some scratches and dents in the walnut grip panels. This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire this extraordinary variant of U.S. bayonet!