March 24, 201412 yr #1 I picked up this M3 fighting knife today. It looks like there was a field modification to the suspension strap which appears to have been folded over and sewn in order to accommodate a strap or belt for what I'm guessing was for wear on leg or boot. The maker mark on the sheath is very worn and is hard to tell what is says. This is my first M3, so I guess beggars can't be choosers. Also, can anyone tell me who this knife would have been issued to?... standard infantry, airborne, etc...? Thanks. Sammy T.
March 24, 201412 yr #12 The M3 being a general fighting/utility knife was issued to almost anyone.It is commonly associated with paratroopers but as stated anyone could be issued one or get one through the system or "other" means.I know a local AAF gunner who had one.Gider pilots are often seen with them too as they were issued basic combat loads as they were acting infantry once on the ground.Even a picture of a Marine carring one is known.
March 24, 201412 yr #13 SammyT- You have an M6 scabbard made by Moose Co. Easy to tell because Moose was the only company to use 10 staples in the scabbard throat. Plus I could read it in the 5th picture. You have a well used, Camillus blade-dated M3 w/ M6 Moose scabbard. Both have a lot of character, and use. Thanks for showing. SKIP
March 25, 201412 yr #15 IMHO I tend to think that the early "blade dated" knives were more likely ending up in the hands of the front line types like the rangers and paratroops. SammyT I have a similar setup with a Camillus blade dated. Mine has no provision for the keeper strap after the conversion. I believe this one would have needed to be carried in such a way as to be pressed against the wearers body in order to help retain the knife.
March 25, 201412 yr #16 Skip is right the M6 is a Moose. The Moose made sheaths are harder to find. This rig has class and character! I think you did very well for your first M3. Ronnie
March 25, 201412 yr #17 Great way to start an M3 collection with a dated blade , congratulations . I would agree modified Moose sheath .
March 25, 201412 yr #19 Sactroop- I see that the guard on your M3 is bent on both ends. Was that occasionally done by the factory? I do see them like that sometimes. Sammy T - Beautiful knife. The only blade dated I've ever actually held was in relic condition to say the least and not worth what was being asked. Yours appears to have "been there & done that" which is the way I like them. Nice find.
March 25, 201412 yr #21 Sactroop- I see that the guard on your M3 is bent on both ends. Was that occasionally done by the factory? I do see them like that sometimes. Sammy T - Beautiful knife. The only blade dated I've ever actually held was in relic condition to say the least and not worth what was being asked. Yours appears to have "been there & done that" which is the way I like them. Nice find. Could have been for the practical reason of tightening the guard to the grip. Could have been because the owner just thought it was cool. ????
March 25, 201412 yr #22 Great find ,a nice matching set ! Question for you, I spotted a Milsco M6 scabbard modified like your first knife at a antique mall. No knife just scabbard, but it's in very good shape,original,with prob 85 to 90 % cond on the scabbard. They want 215.00 for it. It's the only mil. Item the dealer has in his case. Do you think it would be a good deal or not? Denny
March 25, 201412 yr Author #23 Denny, since this is my first M3 and M6 I'm really not certain about price at this point. Maybe one of the more seasoned M6 collectors can better help you on value. sammyT
March 25, 201412 yr #24 Denny- Be careful!! There are a lot of repro Milsco M6s floating around. Plus $215 for modified scabbard by it self, I'd be hesitant. Study the reproduction page at "US Military Knives, and Bayonets". Frank Trzaska, Gary Cunningham, Bill Humes, and a few other folks have some really good info there. If you're satisfied it's a legit Milsco, then make the guy a lower offer, way lower. Since he's not a militaria dealer, you might be able to convince him w/ pictures that it isn't worth what he wants. Show him what a correct Milsco should look like. But, go in there with some knowledge. Just my opinion. SKIP
March 25, 201412 yr #25 Skip is right about the price for the modified scabbard. I picked up a blade dated Case in reasonably good condition with just the lower part of the M6 scabbard for $300 within the past two years.
Create an account or sign in to comment