sigo Posted August 22, 2018 Share #1 Posted August 22, 2018 I spotted a Boker marked M3 knife yesterday at a local antique store that looked pretty nice, but I have doubts. Very uniformly worn blade finish, and no bomb stamp on the pommel. Single tang, asking price $650. I havent tried negotiating yet, as I wanted to research a little more. Im TDY here until Friday, so its not local. If its legit with a good scabbard it might be worth the price, but no bomb on the pommel makes me skeptical. What else should I look for? I might be able to get pics tomorrow, then go back for a purchase on Thrusday if it checks out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted August 22, 2018 Share #2 Posted August 22, 2018 I'm no expert but for that price I'd hope it comes with a nice M6 sheath. Love to see pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted August 22, 2018 Share #3 Posted August 22, 2018 Sigo- Be cautious! A few years back Boker made a reproduction of the M3. I realize you're TDY and time is limited, but if you could post pictures we might be able to advise you. What type scabbard is with it, M6, M8, or M8A1? The repro Bokers have a different handle shape, and color than originals. Suggest do a really good search on your computer before you drop that much cash. Good Luck! SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sigo Posted August 22, 2018 Author Share #4 Posted August 22, 2018 Upon closer inspection the blade looks original, but Im still not sure if the handle is unmolested. The washer closest to the blade and the cross guard are loose. It has a M8 scabbard which unfortunately has a split down the side. Price is negotiable, whats a reasonable value heee? Apologize for the photos, Im only allowed to upload low-res. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted August 22, 2018 Share #5 Posted August 22, 2018 Typical of M3s to develop a wiggle in the guard.The washers will shrink/dry out over time. Looks ok to me. not sure of the value.Its a buyers market and prices can be all over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted August 23, 2018 Share #6 Posted August 23, 2018 Sigo- As Ron stated some shrinkage in the leather will cause some wiggle. Based on your pictures it is a legitimate single tang Boker blade marked M3. The single tang Boker blade marked M3 was the most difficult one to find. Took me years. With a crack in the scabbard, loose leather handle, no ordinance stamp, wear on the blade, negotiate for a lower price. I think $650 is too high for the set, I'm sure others would agree. If it's an antique shop, he will probably go for a much lower deal, since he may not be into military knives. I'd make a cash offer of say $350 and work up to where you're comfortable to buy. Also if he's firm on $650, walk away, slowly,look at some other items, give him time to think about it. If he won't budge, leave. Be patient, it may take time but other M3s at better prices will turn up. Good Luck! SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted August 23, 2018 Share #7 Posted August 23, 2018 What SKIPH said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elton Posted August 26, 2018 Share #8 Posted August 26, 2018 I bought a single tang Boker just two weeks ago at a gun show in Greenville,NC. It was in an m8 scabbard. I paid less than 650 but still premium price. The only marks on blade are from sliding in and out of the scabbard. It is in such good condition I have wondered where it has been for the last 75 years. It has flaming bomb on the pommel. Boker stamp is very light but there. Now all I need is a guard marked version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted August 26, 2018 Share #9 Posted August 26, 2018 Elton- How's things near the coast? Glad you found a Boker single tang. The knife probably belonged to a WW2 vet who passed at some point, and his family let it go. Good luck on the guard marked version. That was the easiest Boker find for me. But, since Boker only made about 31,300, 75 years ago, pickin's are slim. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sigo Posted August 29, 2018 Author Share #10 Posted August 29, 2018 Thanks for all the info. I didnt buy the M3. I talked with the sales staff for a while but didnt make an offer. He mentioned the fact that the proprietor would negotiate, but I figured with the prices they were asking for everything in the store, they wouldnt take what I was willing to pay. I dont need a Boker, I just want to add a nice M3 to the collection. So I decided to hold out for one I feel better about. Im sure another will come along. Im headed to the Fort Lewis/JBLM area in a couple of weeks, Ill see what turns up out there. You all made me more knowledgeable for when the next M3 turns up, and I appreciate that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted August 29, 2018 Share #11 Posted August 29, 2018 When you get up to JBLM don't overlook the antique stores around the Tacoma area. Some good knives show up in the strangest places sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmooser Posted September 10, 2018 Share #12 Posted September 10, 2018 No, you dont want to waste your time there... those are my hunting grounds? Good luck if you find anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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