Developed in the early 20th century, the 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. This was designed to take the place of the Bowie Bayonet, which had been an earlier attempt to solve the same problem but "proved ineffective for utilitarian tool functions undoubtedly required of it" per A. N. Hardin on page 216 of his book "The American Bayonet: 1776-1964". Like many such weapons, the 1902 was made in very limited quantities for trial use, with the Philippines in particular the planned test field (though no proper records of the testing survive). Overall production is limited to 50 in 1902 and six in 1903. 14 3/4 inches overall, with a 10 1/4 inch blade dated "1903" on the left ricasso (making this bayonet one of the even rarer variation) and marked "US" on the right. Standard Krag style bayonet hilt. With a blued steel sheath with a ball tip and 100 degree swiveling steel belt loop.

Extremely fine. The exceptional blade shows a correct bright polished finish with some light oil stains and sheath retraction wear. Some mild spotting on the hilt and guard as well as moderate pitting. The sheath is fine, with areas of brown patina and some light scattered pitting. Of the six 1903 dated examples made, this definitely could be the finest example! This likely could be your only chance to obtain this extraordinary variant of U.S. bayonet!