Original U.S. WWII Navy USN Mark 1 Fighting Knife by COLONIAL with Leather Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. From 1941-1945 American sailors fighting the axis powers needed a knife that was versatile, durable and dependable under difficult weather conditions. The Colonial Mark 1 met and exceeded those requirements for tens of thousands of sailors, who came to regard the Colonial Mark 1 as a trusted and essential all-purpose knife.

The Navy MK1 knife was used as both a utility knife and a fighting weapon. While some undoubtedly saw combat, particularly with Naval Aviators, these blades were mostly used for everyday functions aboard ship and ashore. The Mark I knives were Navy issued throughout WW2 and remained in inventory through the Vietnam war. They were purchased in huge quantities so replacements were not needed for many years.

From a collecting standpoint the beauty of the Mark I knives is in the wide variety of makers and blades that can be found. As for values, like most things USGI blades are evaluated based on scarcity and condition.

This knife is a nice solid example with a solid hard plastic type grip, made by the Colonial Knife Corp. of Providence, Rhode Island. There are no major chips or dents, and it is tight on the grip. The knife measures 9 7/8" overall, with a 5 1/4" clip point blade. The blade is nicely marked U.S.N. on the ricasso and MARK I / COLONIAL on the reverse.

About 65% of the original blade finish remains, and there are no major chips or dings on the edge. Knife has been used and sharpened heavily..

The sheath of the knife is in fair condition minus the leather being rather crazed and cracked. The securing snap is still intact and functional. 

No collection of World War II US military knives is complete without a Mark 1, and this is the perfect opportunity to acquire one with a great patina of age.

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 5 1/8”
Grip Length: 4 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/16"
Total Length: 9 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 5/8” + Belt Loop