Hello, gang.

 

Recently I have found an available WESTERN G46-6 (Shark Knife, sale at ~$300), and its scabbard has written: Walter J. Kellar radio man 1'st. 

I recall that Western never had a military contract and it was carried only as a private purchase, but could someone identify the ower?

I added some relevant photos of it, any help is appreciated ☺️ 

 

Thanks! 

Hello John:

 

I think this is your man.  He served in the Fleet in WW2 and trained as a radioman.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesleader/name/walter-kellar-obituary?id=27248076 

 

I don't think it is correct to say that Western Cutlery did not have any government contracts for blades in WW2.  In fact, Western supplied a wide variety of blades to the U.S. military including the Shark Knife.  

 

Hope this is helpful to you.

 

Regards,

Charlie