Bought two MK2 “KA-BAR” Blades only from eBay - what did I get?

[wackyd]

Hey all,

 

Since re-handling a Kiffe M4 and then a Camillus MK2, I stay on the lookout for WWII era knives in need of help, re-handling, and hopefully, re-homing.

 

I bought these two blade, guard and pommel combos from eBay, with a speculative story they had been in a fire.

 

I’ve never been through a house fire myself, thank goodness, but from interacting with those who have, even metal stuff stinks. I don’t find these to have that smell.

 

Regardless, one does have plainly have the USMC and KA-BAR in the reverse. The other, I can’t seem to see or feel any stamping.

 

The stamped one has obvious grinder marks, including to the pommel. The one I can’t find marks on seems to have some grey paint on the pommel, but no traditional looking peening.

 

I only own a WWII vintage thin pommel MK2, and have some modern thick pommels.

 

Can anyone date these?

 

My plan is to kill the rust with vinegar, but can’t see a blind pin so far.

 

 

Not sure if I bought someone’s real as-is find, or project gone awry, but the end of the tang fitting into the milled circle in the pommel stood out. Someone has posted the procurement specs/drawings, but I can’t seem to find them now…

 

Anyway, pics are here:

 

 

Thanks!!!

 

Daniel

[mikedon]

I believe they are both WWII. I can't see the markings on the top one but the bottom one is the next to the last USMC marked, (large letter), 1219C2 knife variation KA-BAR made during the war, (next to last knife in my group picture). It is shown on page 406 of bill Walters book. It has the thick rectangular peened pommel and Parkerized blade finish.

 

[sactroop]

I can't think of any configuration of the 1219C2 knife with a peened pommel round or rectangular tang after WW2.

[wackyd]

17 minutes ago, sactroop said:

I can't think of any configuration of the 1219C2 knife with a peened pommel round or rectangular tang after WW2.

The tang is fully rectangular, but I guess I haven’t had one like this apart before.

 

 

 

 Thanks for the feedback so far!

[wackyd]

27 minutes ago, mikedon said:

I believe they are both WWII. I can't see the markings on the top one but the bottom one is the next to the last USMC marked, (large letter), 1219C2 knife variation KA-BAR made during the war, (next to last knife in my group picture). It is shown on page 406 of bill Walters book. It has the thick rectangular peened pommel and Parkerized blade finish.

 

That is an awesome collection!

[mikedon]

Sactroop is correct in my opinion. I attached a picture of the pommel.

[wackyd]

Thanks, I’ve gotten used to seeing near perfect starbursts on so many examples.

 

I can make out a U on the one that doesn’t have a clear mark.

 

I’ve soaked in white vinegar, but nothing more was really revealed past the edge of a U. Maybe some oil will give up more.

 

 

If it’s a USN, It would be perfect, I’ve got one employee with a brother in the Navy a year or so in and another employee who’s brother finished the Crucible last Friday.

[wackyd]

Seems the “unmarked” one has had USMC and the maker ground off.

 

 

[EmperorWangDong]

Might a PAL, I have seen a few unmarked variations in the past but the USMC lettering looks to be KA-BAR.

[wackyd]

Tougher take down than expected, but ok from where they started.

 

I’ll certainly believe WWII vintage.

 

 

[wackyd]

Re-handled the one with the ground off marks first.

 

came out more crude than my last effort, and the peened tang is still giving me fits - loosened up while working.

[wackyd]

I shoulda used less black dye.

 

So it goes.

 

Finished the USMC marked on the bottom.

 

Any opinion on which sheath and sheath color is best? 
 

Black Kydex for the Marine, greenish gray for the Navy? Black leather for both?

 

 

[wackyd]

MK2's have been issued, one for the Marines, one for the Navy!

[sactroop]

Thanks for taking us on your restoration journey.  If it were me receiving one, I wouldn't trade either of those knives for anything.