First Acquisition 2025

[VNAMVET70]

Thought this blade was an Imperial Mark 1, when I first saw it. Then, learned it is a mid-50's Pilot Survival knife issued to air crews. Seems to have the original sheath? Appears the mouth of the sheath has a corner notched to make it easier to insert the 5-1/8" blade. I'm guessing this knife was phased out do to the introduction of the of the JPSK. Appreciate all comments.

[SKIPH]

VNAMVET70- Always liked the pilot knives. Suspect they were replaced due to the need for a sturdier blade. The notch in the sheath  made it optional enough to hold the Imperial bent guard pilot's knife (guard& handle were like the M3 trench knife).  SKIP

[sactroop]

In Coles these knives were mis-ID'ed as WW2 Mark 1's.  They were produced by Schrade Walden, Camillus, and Imperial. 

Here are some documents that may be of interest;

 

You may notice that the MIL-K number is carried over to the later JPSK

 

 

 

 

 

[opseccc]

VNAMVET70, Nice find!  It will fit right in with your collection of JPSKs, and sactroop's information is the icing on the cake.  Keep up the hunt!

[VNAMVET70]

Thank you everyone for the information, documents, photos and comments. 

[Misfit 45]

Here's the first one for 2025.  Model 1904 Hospital Bolo, dated 1911, the year my dad was born.

Marv

[VNAMVET70]

Love it! Very unique.

[Choctaw Dan]

@VNAMVET70 here is an example of an M-3 type guard on an Imperial-marked first generation pilot knife. Note that the sheath is also notched, like yours.