Unusual MARTINDALE “Presentation Machete” or Short Sword with 25” blade and Ornate Brass Hilt

Here on offer is an unusual MARTINDALE presentation machete or short sword with 25” blade, brass hilt and the iconic "Crocodile" trademark.

The name Martindale most famously refers to Ralph Martindale, a historic British maker of high-carbon steel machetes and cutting tools since 1874 and their iconic "Crocodile" trademark registered in 1876.

They are well known for producing standard-issue bushcraft tools like the iconic Golok and Paratrooper machetes for the British Army for over 50 years.

They also acquired the Birmingham maker Robert Mole & Sons in 1920, who did have a prominent history of making military sabres and swords.

Although Ralph Martindale never traditionally manufactured military or functional combat swords; instead, they specialized in machetes, matchets, and agricultural edge tools. However, they did produce long, theatrical brass-handled "presentation machetes" or export-market "eagle/brass-hilted knife-swords" that resembled short swords.

These were produced with distinctive long blades with theatrical cast-brass or eagle-head hilts often mistaken by collectors for short swords or cutlasses.

This genuine piece was made by Martindale of Alma Street Works out of Sheffield, England.

It has a 25” double edged, straight plated steel blade that is 1.75” wide.

It is stamped on one side with the famous Martindale “Crocodile” trademark and the words:

MADE IN ENGLAND

REGISTERED

The cutting edges have been quite crudely sharpened but the finish could easily be improved with some sympathetic sharpening.

It has a bright chrome plated finish that does have some areas of very light “pin pick” pitting showing through, that would polish off with some metal cleaner.

The grooved and ribbed grip and crossguard are made from cast brass which now has a beautiful almost bronze patina.

This is a heavy piece, weighing 1.3Kg and I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a cutting bow, as it would really do some serious damage!

These “presentation machetes” are actually rare pieces and seldom come onto the market and would make a great addition to any Martindale collection.

The blade measures 25” (63.5cm) long and 1.75” (4.5cm) wide and including the hilt the whole piece measures 30.75” (78.2cm) long.

It weighs a heavy 1.3Kg.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 52422