Original U.S. Vietnam War USMC Named & Identified Randall Model 1 APFK “Orlando” Fighting Knife with Original Sheath - Captain Edward J. Wages, Bronze Star Recipient & 3rd Engineer Battalion Squad Leader
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an extremely scarce Randall Model 1 Fighting Knife made in Orlando, Florida, and henceforth often referred to as the “Orlando Randall” by collectors. This was the original combat knife designed by Randall in early 1941. It was the knife carried by General Gavin in WWII and General Westmoreland in Vietnam. While the APFK design became more sophisticated over the years, the basic form remains the same today. This was the most commonly ordered combat knife in Randall’s line in WWII and Korea … and remained highly sought after during Vietnam.
This example is inscribed E.J. WAGES on the blade and in our research we found that this came from the estate of United States Marine Corps Captain Edward J. Wages, who served two combat tours in Vietnam as a Squad leader with the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Wages was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Valor device, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Purple Heart (both enlisted and Officer), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions. He developed a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit for the Marine Corps that was later used in the Gulf Wars. Major Wages served in the USMC both as enlisted and as an officer with specialties including Engineer, Shore Party and Civil Affairs. Assignments included two tours in Vietnam and the evacuation of Vietnam. His final tour was as Procurement Officer for Headquarters Marine Corps.
The knife measures roughly 12” overall with a 7 ⅛” carbon steel blade, outfitted with a 1 1/2 inch sharpened false edge and the scimitar flanked address reading "RANDALL MADE/ORLANDO FLA" on the left side of the blade.
Brass cross guard, with red, tan, and black spacers on either side of the leather washer grip, an aluminum pommel cap and a hexagonal pommel nut. The knife comes with its original leather scabbard which has snaps marked RANDALL MADE / ORLANDO, FLA. and is stamped on the back of the belt loop:
RANDALL MADE
KNIVES
ORLANDO, FLA.
1-7
The 1-7 denotes that this was for a Model 1 Knife with a 7 inch blade. The sheath still retains the original whetstone, very rare to see!
Condition is very good overall, the blade has crisp original polish with an outstanding bright finish showing light combat wear. The guard has an attractive, aged patina with some small scratches and dings with heavy verdigris. The grip shows very little wear to the leather. The leather washers are in good solid condition. Light wear is visible on the pommel with some dings and scrapes exhibiting. Overall, the knife, while showing signs of honest period use, and storage/handling wear over the last several decades, is in very good service-used condition.
The original sheath is also fine with tight stitching, attractive original russet brown finish, intact closure strap, and functional snap on the whetstone pouch, with the whetstone still inside. Unfortunately, the leather is tearing away on one side of the throat, and the securing strap shows heavy wear and some minor tearing. Overall, the leather is in fair condition despite the tearing. There is oxidation and verdigris on the metal fittings, and scuffs and scratches, as expected with any piece of historic leather.
This is a truly outstanding fighting knife identified to a combat-grizzled marine who earned the Bronze Star for Valor during the Vietnam War. Comes ready to become a centerpiece of your fighting knife collection!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 7 1/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge Drop Point
Overall length: 12”
Crossguard: 2 5/8”
Scabbard Length: 7 1/2" + Belt Loop
- This product is available for international shipping.
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