Description
Original World War II era US Navy early issue of Mark I Utility Knife manufactured early in the war by Geneva Forge Inc – a scarce maker. Early “large aluminum pommel” Geneva Forge Mark I production – later MK1s had war-expedient wood pommels as aluminum was needed for the aviation industry. This type is illustrated on page 9 in KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W. Silvey – a well-established expert an author of many books on the subject of US military edged weapons (see the scan attached). Relatively common type, but hard in good condition since most of the these early MK1 knives were used as intended, were broken, lost, or fell apart from contact with salt water.
The knife is about 9-3/4″ / 24.8 cm overall; the blade is about 5-1/8″ / 13 cm. The blade has been slightly re-sharpened; it’s razor-sharp still; the tip is intact; no edge nicks or dings on the spine. Stacked leather washers, iron guard and a solid aluminum pommel handle. No typical contact marks on the pommel; leather washer handle is tight; the guard has a tiny bit of a play. 1manufactured the “large aluminum pommel” MK1 for a short time; later issues had plastic or even wood pommels to conserve the much-needed aluminum. Ricasso is stamped MARK 1 / GENEVA / FORGE INC. on one side and U.S.N. on the other. Original USN MK1 marked NORD composition scabbard is in great condition, considering the age. The scabbard was made by Victory Plastics division of Beckwith Manufacturing (B.M. Co.). The numbers on the back of the throat indicate that this scabbard was part of the very first July 1944 delivery to the Navy.
This original WW2 Geneva Forge MK1 fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way; it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the knife 😉 I have a few more vintage American and European knives, as well as WW2 era combat knives and bayonets, scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.
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International shipping for this item will be $39.95 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
