Western G46-8

[Gilles]

Hi,

 

I have this Western G46-8 in my collection but I don't know the meaning of the number on the hilt and the sheath. Does anyone has an answer to these numbers ?

 

 

 

Best regards from France

Gilles

 

 

 

[byf41]

Beautiful knife .

[Elton]

Hello Giles, do you get most of your finds in France or from E-bay?

[Gilles]

Hello Giles, do you get most of your finds in France or from E-bay?

 

I bought this knife during a stay in Italy

[doyler]

The number could be a lot or control number used during issue.No last name initial typically seen when used as a serial number so maybe not serial number related.

 

The USMC was added at sone point and Im thinking just to inhanced it.

 

This said its a great knife and the Western was a well made and finished knife.

 

Congratulations on adding this to your collection

[Gilles]

Thanks doyler.

 

Today in a forum militaria in France, someone told me that these numbers were used on the U-Tapao base

 

[doyler]

Very possible

 

I recall the Thais got a lot of old US surplus and the knife stamp story I have heard before.

[sactroop]

Not the easiest thing to find these older blued knives with the finish in such great condition.

[Charlie Flick]

There is a connection to Thailand and the Western G-46-8 knives. About 10 years ago there was a relatively large quantity of these knives for sale on Ebay. The seller was in Thailand and, as I recall, the blades were sold without sheaths. Most were in VG-excellent condition and most had the hand-stamped numbers on the pommel.

 

My own speculation is that the numbers are probably some type of inventory number. How and why these blades ended up in Thailand was not disclosed by the seller and is anybody's guess.

 

Regards,

Charlie