Original U.S. WWII M3 Fighting Knife by Utica Cutlery with Updated M8 Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great service used example of a WWII M3 U.S. fighting knife, made by the desirable maker UTICA Cutlery Co. of Utica, New York. With the markings on the crossguard, this is the third and final pattern manufactured in the war. It comes complete in the correctly M8 scabbard, which has the designation D 76 painted over the maker mark, likely a unit mark. These fighting knives were preferred by American infantry during World War Two for hand to hand combat.

This knife is later war production, indicated by the maker information being stamped into the crossguard: US / M-3 / UTICA. The 6 3/4 inch spear point blade is in fair condition, with heavy oxidation across the blade. It has definitely seen use, and the edge is now blunt from use.

The handle and stacked leather grip are in fair service-used condition, showing the usual rounding of the edges from use, with some rawness in the leather in the center. There does look to be some damage from moisture, and there is heavy wear and scuffs across the washers. The crossguard is still in the correct shape, straight with a forward bend at the top for the thumb. It does show some light oxidation, and it wobbles due to degradation of the leather at the top of the grip. The bottom of the pommel shows the U.S. "Flaming Bomb" ordnance proof mark and correct "starburst" peened over tang.

The original scabbard is marked U.S. M8 / B.M. CO and is in very good condition, with moderate overall wear. The scabbard was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg Co. a division of Victory Plastics.. This is the earlier pattern of the scabbard, made without the retaining loop, though it was later updated to have one. These feature a thermoplastic impregnated cotton fabric body, metal throat, and canvas frog and securing strap. The scabbard is still fully functional, with a functional retaining strap, but does show wear and use. The canvas does show wear, and the finish on the fittings is mostly worn away. The designation D 76 is painted on the front and back. 

A lovely service used M3 knife from a desirable maker, complete with a correct modified scabbard. Ready to add to your WWII edged weapon collection!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6 3/4”
Blade Style: Spear Point Knife
Overall length: 11 5/8”
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard length: 7 3/8" with belt loop.