*Netherlands, WW2, Dutch East Indies M1940 Marechaussee Sabel or Klewang, with Original Scabbard, Modified by Japanese into a Heiho or Machete, Dated 1941*
Scabbard Marked: on the leather “CW N 2 41”
Approximate Measurements: 46cm blade, 58cm overall
This is a rare item of both colonial and WWII Japanese interest. The blade displays features typical of a Dutch M1940 sabre, that was probably made in the Dutch East Indies, which was later captured and converted by the Japanese into a machete or “Heiho” during World War II for re-issue to their troops. The blade has no discernible manufacturer or armory markings. It has a single-edged, fullered, curving blade and the blued steel shows varying thicknesses of edge grind. It features black bakelite grips secured by three large brass rivets and a large tang screw at the end. The accompanying scabbard has brass mounts and a brass clip around the mouth and central stitching along the back. The scabbard is marked CW, N 2 41 – and was made at the CW (Centrale Werkplaats – Central Workshop) in Bandoeng- Indonesia. Netherlands, Feb 1941.
This M1940 Marechaussee sabre was modified during the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies by cutting down the blade, removing the basket hilt, and shortening the scabbard, turning it into a Heiho used as a jungle knife or machete.
Background:
Klewangs, originally a traditional single-edged sword of the Malay Archipelago, were adapted by the Dutch for jungle warfare and close-quarters combat. These weapons were militarized versions of local designs and were used by the Dutch military – the Royal Dutch East Indies Army, Royal Dutch Army, Royal Dutch Navy and Dutch police from 1898 through the 1960s. Officially the weapon was named the Marechaussee-sabre but the name klewang was more popular. The European M1898/M1901 models were made in Solingen, Germany, and Hembrug, Netherlands.
When Germany occupied Holland in 1940, sword supplies to the Netherlands East Indies Army and Marechaussee Corps ceased. The colonial Artillery Works in Java began assembling the M1940 sword, first using parts from Holland, and later producing it entirely locally. This version featured black Bakelite grips, a different blade design, no maker’s mark, and blackened scabbard mounts. Due to high demand, the Dutch also turned to the U.S. for additional supplies. In 1941, 2,950 swords and 500 blades were produced by VINCE Fencing Equipment, with blades made by Lilley-Ames, they also made unmarked cutlasses for the U.S. Navy (unmarked) which if they went to the Pacific were also likely to have found their way into Japanese hands. They are referred to as the Model 1941 and it had a slightly different basket style and heavier scabbards which were stitched along the edge rather than centrally on the back. It is very difficult to distinguish between the M1940 amd M1941 blades once the basket has been modified. The US Firm The Military Saddlery Company (MILSCO), Milwaukee, Wisconsin also manufactured over 40,000 Model 1941s klewangs for the Dutch East Indies post-1946, until Indonesian independence in 1949, but these wouldn’t have been modified in to Heiho by the Japanese.
*Condition*
Given its remarkable history this unmarked blade is in good condition with some blueing remaining. There is some discolouration and pitting to the blade, particularly at the forte and tip. The grip shows the wear and tear expected with age and service. The original leather scabbard is missing the brass ball-pointed chape. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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