Item:
ONSV3302

Original U.S. WWII Airborne Schrade Presto M2 No.3 Paratrooper Knife with Painted Metal Handle

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. Worn in the breast pocket of the Paratrooper M2 Jump Jacket, these knives were intended for paratroopers to cut their parachute cords and anything else if they got entangled during a jump. All of the versions are quite rare and hard to find, partly because they continued to be used after the war, and simply wore out.

This wonderful example offered in very good fully functional condition is marked on the base of the blade (ricasso) as follows:

GEO. SCHRADE
BRIDGEPORT
CONN.

and

PRESTO
MADE IN THE U.S.A.

The earliest model of these had a "jigged bone" handle, but as the war progressed, a simpler textured metal grip design was introduced, which was painted black. Unlike other versions, this one came in two sizes, the smaller No.2, which was the same size s the No.1, and the larger No.3, which is what we have here. It has an original overall length of 8 3/4", compared to the 7 1/8" inch of the No.2 and later No.4 and No.5.

Our example definitely shows some wear and sharpening. The black paint on the grips is somewhat worn, and the blade size is reduced somewhat by sharpening. However it still opens correctly, and the lock works, preventing it from opening when not intended.

For further research checkout this forum post about these knives and how to tell WW2 knives from post war (this example is 100% WWII) visit the forum at this link.

NOTE: This knife is definitely considered a "Switchblade", so check local laws before ordering.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington

    This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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