Odd Letters on WW2 M3 Fighting Knives

[NathanHale]

As a collector of US WW2 Militaria, I have, on occasion, encountered the CASE M3 Fighting Knife with a Capital Letter set into the leather handle just behind the guard. Are there any M3 Experts here that can shed some light on what these letters might represent? Or why they were included on these knives? Or are they just someones initials to show ownership? They look like they were done professionally and not just scratched into the leather handle.

I have included two photos of two different CASE M3 fighting knives and hopefully I have resized them to a quality that can be recognizable!

Thoughts?

NathanHale

[NathanHale]

I apologize to everyone for the poor quality of the photos. I tried to resize them and I tried several more times to resize them but I just cannot figure out how to do it correctly. The original photos are great, but it is beyond my capabilities.

I am an old guy with limited computer skills.

Thanks anyway,

NathanHale

[doyler]

^{More than likely a way to show ownership.}

 

^{The manufacturer or the Quatermaster wouldnt do this.}

[collector]

I've had two M4s over the years with the same initial placement.

Looked hand done.

[sundance]

I'd guess it's an ownership thing. Are the letters on both sides? You have come up with an interesting visual effect though.

[SKIPH]

I agree with everyone else! Just an initial to show ownership. SKIP