Original U.S. WWII Airborne Schrade Presto M2 No.3 Knife with Plastic Handle

Original Item: Only One Available. These M2 Paratrooper pockets knives with the mid war issue imitation jigged bone handles (scales or grip) are relatively hard to find, as they were quickly replaced with the metal scaled version. This very nice example, offered in very good fully functional condition, is marked on the base of the blade ricasso as follows:

GEO. SCHRADE
BRIDGEPORT
CONN.

The other side is marked:

PRESTO
PAT. JAN. 30-40
MADE IN U.S.A.

These blade markings definitely identify it as a WWII version, and it bears lovely black plastic handles. This is the larger No.3 model, which has an original overall length of 8 3/4", compared to the 7 1/8" inch of the No.1, No.2 and later No.4 and No.5.. This example measures about 8 5/8", with the blade shortened a bit from the original 4 inches down to 3 3/4. It still has the correct shape, with some oxidation staining, and is mostly sharp. The blade opens properly, and still locks into place correctly. The plastic handle is in great shape, with only light wear.

A really nice example, ready to add to your collection!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 3 3/4”
Blade Style: Clip Point
Knife
Overall length: 8 5/8”

Worn in the breast pocket of the Paratrooper M2 Jump Jacket these knives were intended for paratroopers to cut there parachute cords and anything else if they got entangled during a jump. Exceedingly rare and hard to find. For further research checkout this forum post about these knives and how to tell WWII knives from post war (this example is 100% W