A Collins In The Country

[GatorGrip]

I am clearing a 5 acre piece of Bay Swamp here in North Florida and of course being a medically retired soldier (as of 2 years ago after 14 years of honorable and meritorious service) I do not have the money to buy a brush cutter so I am the brush cutter - sweat, sunburn and blisters is good for the soul. -LOL

Searching for some garden tools I found an old machete in my Grandfather's shed that says: Legitimus Collins & Co Made In USA No 450 or it could be 460. The blade measured about 23.5" and overall length of 28.5". I thought it had a black handle at first glance but upon further inspection in the light it appears to be dark wood. I know it feels a bit heavier than the machetes I have held recently in the local hardware stores. I came back from Fort Wainwright, Alaska to support my family in helping my grandfather battle cancer but he went home to be with the Father our Lord in December 2006. I never thought to ask about the history of how he came by the machete and I wish I had as we all have many things we wish we had done or said to our love ones that have passed on.

I appreciate your understanding and any knowledge you are willing to share with me about this machete.

GATOR

 

[A. G. Russell]

The top expert on Collins was Ed Henry of Bowie knife fame. Ed published a book about Collins before he died, you need a copy or someone with a copy

 

[bob bowie]

Collins was one of the largest edged tool producers in the U.S. from the 1840s-1960's. Really need pictures to help.

If you can't post pictures, The best I can tell you is the handle could be Horn, wood, or composition. The stamp could date anywhere from the early 1900's-50's.

 

[kamkazmoto]

You might try asking at the Bernard Levine forum at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=691 . Those guys know everything and Welcome to the forum.