WW2? VN? Kabar style knives.

[T_Payne]

I have 5 knives that I acquired when I was USN and worked a stint in a Sup Div. Ship was getting rid of everything for Decom and told us to take what we wanted. Been sitting on them for 15 years...and really don’t know when/where they are from. I’m looking at selling, but don’t know worth. Seen eBay and other sites listing from $55 up to $$795. 
 

So... two are Camillus? (Have 17 and 99 stenciled on scabbard).

 

One is Utica Cutco.

 

Last two are Conetta. 
 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

[EBS]

I think the two with the straight guards are VN era. 

[T_Payne]

So, camillus and conetta are VN era? But, they’re all so similar I have a hard time believing they are not all of the same era. With no USMC stamps or the slender drop point profile... I think they are all VN clip point combat knifes. But I am not experienced with older military equipment.

[Steve Brannan]

I think they’re all 1960s and I see them selling for $75-85 each around here.


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[thorin6]

The US over CAMLLUS without the NY is post-Vietnam (they dropped the NY in September 1974).  The other three are Vietnam era.  The 7-rivet sheaths are all correct for the time frame (Vietnam and post-Vietnam eras) although not necessarily correct (an early Utica M2, for example, would have a lighter sheath).  The two Camillus in the condition shown should go for $50-60.  The Utica and Conettas for around $70-$75.  If you put them on ebay you may get lucky but that's what I've seen over the past couple of years.

[SKIPH]

I totally agree with thorin6.  SKIP

[sactroop]

Also the earlier Utica sheath had 9 rivets and the knife had the bent guard like the WW2 knives.

[thorin6]

Like this

 

[sactroop]

Here's another pic for the Vietnam era 1219C2/MIL-K-20277.

 

[T_Payne]

Nice collection. I can definitely see the difference between the VN era Utica Cutco and the post-VN. 
 

other major thing I see is that your Camillus and Connetta have brass clasp buttons and mine are black. Did you restore yours and take off paint?

[sactroop]

The knife on the left was only made for a short time before the specification MIL-K-20277 was being amended to add things like the darker finish to the leather and straighten the guard. Utica Cutlery Co. knives came first, than Camillus got a contract around 62 with Conetta entering a couple of years later.

The pieces are pretty much as found, all of them used, although lightly.  As far as the snaps, also as I received them. Possibly finish wear from carrying.

[T_Payne]

So, right as I was posting this I also did an appraisal (online...soooo, it is what it is...) And, they gave the same history lesson: