Description
WW2 Imperial M3 trench knife circa 1944 American fighting knife, guard-marked type; original BM Co M8 composition scabbard; very good overall condition, considering the age.
Original WW2 era M3 Fighting Knife/Trench Knife – an early 6-groves handle M3 manufactured by manufactured by Imperial Knife Co. in Provenance, RI – one of the larger war-time makers of edged weapons for the US government. Out of the total of 2.5 million M3s made, Imperial produced about 850,000 M3s of all types by the time production ended in August 1944. Attached is the photo of the US Airborne paratroopers gearing up somewhere in England the day prior to D-day jump. One paratrooper has his trench knife on the hip; two other guys are armed with M3 fighting knifes tied to their legs (original photo is the courtesy of Wikipedia and is not included with the knife).
This fighting knife is used, but it’s in better-than-average condition for the type. This M3 is about 11-3/8” / 29 cm overall; the blade is about 6-1/2″ / 16.5 cm. The blade has been lightly re-sharpened; it is very sharp still; the tip is intact; no pitting or edge nicks. Stacked grooved leather washers and plastic spacers handle; steel guard and hammer-like pommel; all parts are tight with no play. The guard was originally marked but all original markings have been removed. Still, this is clearly one of M3s made by Imperial, judging from the distinct dark-brown plastic spacers at the ends of stacked leather washers handle. No edge nicks, contact marks or dings on the spine or the pommel; a few light rust spots near ricasso are noted for accuracy – cleanable.
Original M8 composition scabbard was manufactured by Beckwith Manufacturing Company; it’s marked US M8 / B.M. CO. on the throat. The scabbard is in very good overall condition, considering the age; the keeper is nice and tight; no rust on the webbing; and edge nick on the plastic near the tip is noted for accuracy. Overall, WW2 Imperial M3 trench knife is in 100% serviceable condition still; don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection!
This original WW2 Imperial M3 trench knife / M8 composition scabbard have not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, 100% original condition; these are the actual photos. Spent brass is not included with the knife 😉
I have a number of vintage American-made collectible knives in the store, please take a look at the store’s American Blades section. Also, please don’t forget to check out our Militaria section for other WW1 and WW2 era combat knives, including German WW1 era trench knives, vintage USAF WW2 Pilot Knives and a couple of nice WW2 era 1st pattern Wilkinson Sword, 2nd pattern and 3rd pattern FS daggers available for sale.
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International shipping for this item will be $55 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
