Original U.S. WWII Batteryless Tel. Equipment MK 5 Deep Sea Dive Knife with Brass Scabbard - Service Worn

Original Item: Only One Available. These are most uncommon today but were essential equipment for the hardhat divers of the WWII era. Just what Bob Hope needed in the film "The Road to Bali" when fighting a giant squid!

Offered in rough service-used condition, this rare WWII example has the standard 6 1/2" blade with saw teeth on one edge. The blade has extremely heavy oxidation. The grip is turned hardwood and the hilt has a brass pommel. The wooden grip has a very heavy crack in one side and is loose as a result. The knife screws into a heavy brass cylindrical scabbard, which is maker marked:

MFD. BY BATTERYLESS TEL. EQUIP. CO. INC.
PITTSBURGH, P.A.

Due to heavy oxidation, the knife no longer screws all the way into the scabbard, but it will sit well for display. There were five or so manufacturers of this type of knife in WW2: DESCO, VINCE FORGE, MORRIS, BATTERYLESS TELEPHONE, BOMAR and SCHRADER.

This example was acquired from a collector, and shows signs of faithful wartime use. There is extreme wear to the blade in the form of heavy oxidation from water, which is likely what caused the grip to crack. A great used example, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 1/2"
Blade Style: Spear Point with Sawback
Overall length: 12 3/8"
Scabbard Length: 8 1/2"