{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-1980s-navy-seal-richard-batson-large-size-ranger-fighting-knife-serial-301-in-correct-leather-sheath-by-gutcher-believed-to-be-one-of-28-made-for-special-seal-team","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War - 1980s Navy Seal Richard Batson Large Size Ranger Fighting Knife Serial 333 in Correct Leather Sheath by Gutcher - Believed to be One of 28 made for Special Seal Team","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. Some of the most sought-after handmade fighting knives are those of Richard Batson, who worked part-time making knives while serving in the Army from 1958-1970, mainly for active duty personnel. He continued making knives until roughly 2013, and is renowned for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. This example is the most outstanding Batson knife we’ve ever come across, and retains nearly all of its original bluing. This knife dates to roughly 1980-1985, and is serial numbered on the blade recess and pommel \u003cstrong\u003e333\u003c\/strong\u003e. This example came to us from the Larry Thomas American Edged Weapon Museum in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, further cementing its authenticity and prestige. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bowie-style blade measures 7⅞” and has a Navy Seal insignia motif etched to the center of one side. This is believed to be one of 28 special order Batson knives made for a specific team of Navy SEALs. The ricasso is carefully engraved:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard G. Batson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArlington, Va., U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder this is Batson’s logo, a Bat over R in a circle. In the recess near the crossguard is the stamped serial number \u003cstrong\u003e333\u003c\/strong\u003e. The polished wooden grip is in fantastic order with stacked black, red, and white spacers at each end. The pommel cap is stamped \u003cstrong\u003e333\u003c\/strong\u003e. The overall length of the knife is 12¾”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original and correct leather sheath is stamped on the back:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCUSTOM MADE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSULLIVANS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAMPA, FLA.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBY GUTCHER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the original sheath for the knife, and has heavy verdigris on the brass rivets. There is an original leg-tie-down at the tip of the sheath and on the belt loop, with a diagonal securing strap which still works well. The overall length is 15” including the belt loop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outstanding example given to a Navy Seal! Comes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 7 7\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Bowie\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 12 3\/4“\u003cbr\u003eSheath Length: 15”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44018571968581,"sku":"ONJR25OCNS20","price":2195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25OCNS20MAIN.jpg?v=1763766392","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-1980s-navy-seal-richard-batson-large-size-ranger-fighting-knife-serial-301-in-correct-leather-sheath-by-gutcher-believed-to-be-one-of-28-made-for-special-seal-team","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}