Does anyone have any photos of transitional M44 suspenders? I have only been able to find one example online with a little OD3. 

It sure does! I’ll call it the frankenknife. Fortunately, I didn’t pay much for it on EBay. Still need to learn more about the owner, O.V. Wheeler. Thank you for your help, Horseclover!

that is one swell rifle !   all the markings with a style of yesterday   A 1 rifle  !!!!!   semper fi

Yes it is Matt.

Are there any photos of soldiers wearing it? Unit patch, etc.?

EGW did have a clip point blade, as you show.

Kinda looks like someone made a Palegw :D    A MKI  handle&pommel and an EGW blade

Very nice brother. Always dig the Rayon / Khaki mix and match. Real   Z

Thank you all for the input. Most of the rack numbers I've seen were stenciled on the butt. Like so many of these old pieces, we will most likely never know. This is the last of my collection and it's time for me to move it on to someone else. I'll let the next owner continue the work to find an answer that was started about 40 years ago. Again, many thanks. Dennis