US Kingston Etched Stainless Utility Knife

[bobcat87]

Here is an interesting knife. Is this government issue? It has the 1st configuration blades, but lacks the thumb stud on the tab lifter. The can opener is labeled "CAN OPENER" instead of Patent Pend. implying 1945. It has the USA stamped tang for United States Army, but lacks a Kingston marked clevis. It has brass liners also implying WW2. The "US" etched blade and USA marked tang implies that this knife would be property of the US Army...In many years of collecting, I have only seen a couple other examples. Has any information ever emerged on this unusual stainless utility knife?

[Bob Hudson]

Here's a couple of older threads about the Kingston utility knives:

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/118104-kingston-us-45-metal-general-purpose-pocket-knife/

 

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/103929-stainless-pocket-knife/