Charlie Flick Posted September 21, 2019 Share #1 Posted September 21, 2019 I ran across this image and found it interesting because of the knife stuck in the pants of the Marine on the left. It sorta looks like one of the Camillus USAAF knives or perhaps some type of private purchase knife, but maybe one of our Members has a better suggestion. The caption reads Marines warm coffee at a Japanese sulphur pit in February 1945. Pipe was used in Japanese steam bath. Left to right, Cpl Roy F. Webster and Sgt DeWaine J. Fish – both from 2d Bn 26th Marines. To me the overall shape of the handle and blade outline appears similar to the Camillus Model #5665 Hunting Knife. It was issued as part of the USAAF Emergency Kit. About 35,500 were purchased from Camillus which, of course, had made this model of knife for civilian users before the war. I have an example of that Camillus in my collection. An old image of it that I had handy is below. Is it the same blade used by the Marine in the pic, or not? Regards, Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Posted September 21, 2019 Share #2 Posted September 21, 2019 Looks like a MKII sheath; hard telling what knife is in it - by me anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted September 21, 2019 Share #3 Posted September 21, 2019 To me the overall shape of the handle and blade outline appears similar to the Camillus Model #5665 Hunting Knife. Looks like a good match to me: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted September 22, 2019 Share #4 Posted September 22, 2019 Bob, Camillus records show that the knife you posted pictures of was supplied to both the U.S. Army Engineering Corps, with another small contract for the United States Marine Corp. by Camillus. If the notes on the document are correct it looks like about 825 to the Army and only about 1000 to the Marines. The document also states that Utica Cutlery was another manufacture for a similar knife. Maybe others have more information about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groserm Posted September 22, 2019 Share #5 Posted September 22, 2019 Crossguard looks like it is thicker in the one the Marine has in his sheath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted September 22, 2019 Share #6 Posted September 22, 2019 Crossguard looks like it is thicker in the one the Marine has in his sheath. Blurry photos can deceive, but It would make sense that goverment specs called for a strong guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conn Posted September 24, 2019 Share #7 Posted September 24, 2019 the handle in war time photo, is it aluminum ? the handle looks not to straight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usmcdoc67 Posted September 26, 2019 Share #8 Posted September 26, 2019 Looks to me to be some type of bone, as a replacement. As stated, picture not the best but don't see evidence of the rivets holding grips. Leather & plastic grips weren't meant for the environment of the Pacific theater. Many MK1's & MK2's as well as other types had their grips replaced, thereby, became know as "theater made". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted September 26, 2019 Share #9 Posted September 26, 2019 Could be a Japanese knife of some sought? From another engagement maybe? Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbertson Posted December 26, 2019 Share #10 Posted December 26, 2019 Could be the handle may have been cracked or otherwise damaged and consequently wrapped with something like white cloth medical tape to keep it together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now