Synopsis:

Attractive and all-original M3 fighting knife made by Imperial with correct 1943 U.S. M6 sheath. The classic US military fighting knife from World War II, later replaced by the M4. A great Valentine's Day selection for that "special someone."

Description:

Standard configuration M3 fighting knife produced by Imperial from March 1943 to August 1944 with approximately 2,590,247 M3 manufactured, with 6.75" spear point blade with sharpened 3.5" secondary edge, steel cross guard with angular bend at one end to facilitate a thumb rest marked "US M3/IMPERIAL" and stacked leather washer handle shaped by turning on a lathe, then polished and lacquered. Flat oval pommel cap marked with ordnance flaming bomb proof. Complete with a brown leather sheath marked "U.S. M6 BARWOOD 1948" withbelt attachment, metal studs, and reinforced stitching along the edges secured with green cord binding at the base. The M3 was first issued to U.S. Army soldiers in March 1943 with priority given to elite units such as airborne troops and Army Rangers. In August 1944, the M3 was declared a limited standard ordnance item with supplies to be issued until exhausted, having been replaced by the M4 bayonet.

Condition:

VG all-original knife and sheath with fading, handling marks, and discolorations as might be expected from a U.S. military fighting knife that saw several years of actual service.