Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine condition WWII M3 U.S. fighting knife, made by the desirable maker, Utica Cutlery Co. This is the 3rd pattern with markings on the crossguard. It comes complete in a correct 1943 dated M6 leather belt scabbard, which has been shortened at the top and bottom. These fighting knives were preferred by American infantry during World War Two for hand to hand combat.

This knife is later production, indicated by the maker information being stamped onto the crossguard: U S / M-3 / UTICA. Utica Cutlery Co. was one of several manufacturers of the M3 knife, and also made M1942 Bayonets, M4 bayonets, and other edged weapons during the war. This example is the third and last version of the knife. The first and second had markings on the blade, with the first also being dated 1943. The later version moved the markings to the cross guard. The 6 5/8 inch spear point blade is in good service-used condition, with a good amount of the original finish, except towards the tip, which is more worn. The blade is still quite sharp. It does not have any major issues or damage, though there has been post production sharpening, particularly on the false edge. The handle and stacked leather grip are in great shape, with a lovely color, no cracking, and shows very little use. There are no major cracks, and the leather is still soft. The bottom of the pommel shows the U.S. "Flaming Bomb" proof mark, next to the "sunburst" pattern peened tang. The crossguard is a bit loose on the hilt.

The original M6 leather scabbard is in great shape, and still clearly marked U.S. M6 / MILSCO / 1943 just under the stapled throat, with a "flaming bomb" proof below. The top and bottom of the scabbard have been heavily shortened. It has a lovely aged leather look, with a bit of cracking and dry rot in places. There is no retaining strap but there is still a belt loop. Definitely a scabbard that saw long service. This is the original scabbard designed for this knife, which was then replaced with the thermoplastic resin impregnated cotton duck M8/M8A1 scabbards, which were also used with the M4 bayonet.

A very nice example of a M3 knife from a desirable maker, complete with the correct but shortened scabbard. Ready to add to your WWII edged weapon collection!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6 3/4”
Overall length: 11 1/2”
Scabbard length: 6¾" with belt loop.
Crossguard: 2 1/4”