Feb 11, 2007 · Just acquired the following 1914 dated military issue bill-hook to go with my WW1 Machine Gunners equipment. Does anyone have an example or any good pictures of the scabbard that would have gone with it, so I can get a local leatherworker to replicate one for me?

Feb 11, 2007 · The armies of Scandinavia, Prussia and Germany issued fascine knives in the form of short swords to their troops, with leather sheaths - these were replaced towards the end of the 19th century with a billhook shaped version which would appear to …

The billhook was one of the only portable tools that could not be carried on the belt. The billhook was not pushed by authorities to be used as a weapon, at least not officially at any rate. Variants of cases were produced during the war.

French billhooks from WW1 regularly turn up as well, being unearthed during ploughing on the battlefields of Northern France (e.g. The Somme) - they form part of the annual 'Iron Harvest ', the greater part of which often exceeds 900 tonnes of UXO. A French model stamped Bret 1906.

Most armies of WW1 and WW2 had a billhook issued to their army Pioneer Corps and also to most Infantry and Artillery Units. For example, they were carried on the gun limbers of the WW1 18 pounder army field gun of the British Army, and were an invaluable tool to cut bushes to camouflage the gun position etc.

HALE BROS also stamped 1916, this is a thick nose military billhook made during WW1 for use by soldiers in Flanders and to cut saplings to make fascines and hurdles for revetments to support trench walls.

Jul 22, 2012 · I purchashed A Billhook at a Market Sale. (See Photo ) Is this one An Australian WW1 Billhook Machete Weapon, it is Stampted GH BISHOP 1916. Thanks And Good Luck Neil

Nov 1, 2022 · This 1918 Martindale billhook was used as a tool - and weapon - in the trenches of the First World War. Join me as I explain what I've discovered about this ...

This is a nice, original maker marked/dated WW1 billhook. These were often used by machine gun troops for clearing brush, etc. around gun positions. 10 inch blade shows use but not abuse. Nice makers name and 1918 date.

Billhooks were made in Australia for WW1. The manufacturers that I have been able to identify are: GH Bishop & Co, a small blacksmithing firm located in Kyabram Victoria.