The Armoury - Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills

US M3 Combat Knife

Description

Later pattern of US WW2 fighting knife, for issue to troops without long rifle and bayonet. Often seen as badge of elite units Rangers Paratroops etc. Earlier patterns had manufacturers stamp on blade. Scabbard is early M8A1, it is stamped simply M8 as early examples were, but webbing frog is longer and has loop at top for metal belt hanger. This has been removed, probably to make the webbing resemble the earlier (rarer) M8 frog. BM relates to Beckwith Mfg Co. This Early M8A1 Scabbard originates around 1943/4 and is probably appropriate for a late M3 Knife.

Marks and Stamps: (Under crossguard) USM3 IMPERIAL (Scabbard throat) USM8 B.M.CO.

Specifications

Accession Number: 321 Period of Use:
Type: Fighting Knife War Zones:
Country of Origin: USA Type Date: 1943
Manufacturer: Imperial Knife Co. Serial Number: none
Manufacture Date: Unknown Calibre/Ammunition:
Weight: Length Overall:
Cyclic Rate: Length Barrel:
Deactivation Certificate Number: N/A

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