I will study that link. Thank you.

Will add your skull crusher has the point blunted/removed. This was a fairly common practice when caried as it would cause injuries to the hand when carried 

The CG36500 underway. Next is one of my cousins at the helm in 1968, shortly before 36500 was decommissioned. Note the block of wood chocked against the throttle, because it kept slipping off its setting.   

here is a older topic to study on the markings and styles of the Mk1 knuckle knife   https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/196382-m1918-mk-i-trench-knife-comparing-originals-to-your-“suspect”-knife-thread/#comment-1526026

Thank you for the help.

A life ring from a Coast Guard 36' Motor Lifeboat. 36534 was assigned to the Chatham Coast Guard Station shortly after the famous Pendleton rescue in 1952. I have a couple of other pieces from Chatham I will post in their own thread after I take some pics. The boat is the original 36500 used in the rescue, showing the life ring stowage.    

looks original from what I se. The 42 could be an inventory number or number related to the veteran like a roster or ID number etc. Hard to say 

Typically Posts both Legion and VFW are named after a local veteran that either died in service or due other significant event while in service.  

I would like opinions as to if this knife is genuine and what the 42 marking indicates please.

Lots of history right there!   Congratulations