First M3 Trench Knife

[VNAMVET70]

Acquired my first M3 Trench Knife. I'm inclined to think it is a legitimate original. Went with my gut feeling. What are your thoughts? The guard and pommel are tight with no wiggle. Blade measures 6-3/4".

[SKIPH]

VNAMVET70- It's a legit UTICA guard marked M3.  The "starburst" peening was used by Utica when they switched to the guard marked variations.   SKIP

[Tony V]

VNAMVET70

 

   Congratulations on a very nice addition to your collection ! I hope more to come

 

Tony

 

[VNAMVET70]

SKIPH, Thanks for confirming the M3 is indeed legit. 

 

Tony V. Thanks for the kind comments. 

[sundance]

Very nice. Let's see how many you have in a year or two.

[opseccc]

Great job!  Keep up the hunt!

[DBURDBUSH45]

Very nice! Pretty sure there’ll be a 2nd, and 3rd and so on! It’s incredible how fast the M3 “infection” spreads too! 

[VNAMVET70]

Thanks for the comments. The WW2 M3 is truly an alluring and irresistible knife. 

[SKIPH]

Soon,  you will be trying to get all the makers, then all the variations of each , blade-dated, blade stamped, and guard marked. Next, will be blued, or parkerized finish, groove count on the handles, then dual stamped blade & guard.  Let's not forget about the M6 scabbards.  Fifty-three M3s later you are still looking for the rarities, only now they are very expensive. Good luck!  I still struggle with the M3 addiction.  SKIP