In very good condition, a Hembrug KNIL WW2 Dutch m1911 Klewang Cutlass
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A Second World War Dutch M1911 KNIL (Dutch East India Army) Hembrug Klewang, the 62cm blued steel fullered clip point blade marked at the forte with inspector’s mark and HEMBRUG, the blued steel half basket hilt with internal brass label unit marked 1-2 Inf.Dep. 393, the walnut grip scales secured by three brass rivets, with the leather sword knot strap, the brass mounted leather scabbard marked CW/N for Centrale Werkplaats, Java, New Model, and date 12-41 for December 1941, 77.5cm
The Klewang was used by the Dutch navy, but more so by the land KNIL forces in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), as it made a perfect jungle / close quarters fighting sword.
Footnote : The 1-2 Infantry were part of the 2nd KNIL (Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger – Dutch East India Army) Infantry Division which was under the command of Major-General Pierre A Cox. He surrendered his command to the Japanese on 9th/11th March 1942 after the Battle of Java.
The curved 24 3/8 inch period sharpened blade is in very good condition, a single small nick to the cutting edge near the forte, is form in the hilt. The hilt with flat steel three bar guard is in very good condition; the wooden grip halves also in very good condition, though some age / wear. The leather scabbard is very good, though a little aged and worn. The cutlass sheathes and draws well but tightly, likely due to a little leather shrinkage. The leather sword knot strap (knot absent) is aged and worn but good.
A superb, well above average example of a regimentally marked m1911 Hembrug KNIL WW2 Dutch Klewang Cutlass for £850. Please quote reference ZU52. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box?
