{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-commando-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle","title":"Original U.S. WWII Airborne Schrade Presto “Commando” M2 No.3 Paratrooper Knife with Painted Metal Handle","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Worn in the breast pocket of the Paratrooper M2 Jump Jacket, these knives were intended for paratroopers to cut their parachute cords and anything else if they got entangled during a jump. All of the versions are quite rare and hard to find, partly because they continued to be used after the war, and simply wore out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wonderful example offered in very good functional condition is marked on the base of the blade (ricasso) as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGEO. SCHRADE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBRIDGEPORT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRESTO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMADE IN THE U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earliest model of these had a \"jigged bone\" handle, but as the war progressed, a simpler textured metal grip design was introduced, which was painted black. Unlike other versions, this one came in two sizes, the smaller No.2, which was the same size s the No.1, and the larger No.3, which is what we have here. It has an original overall length of 8 3\/4\", compared to the 7 1\/8\" inch of the No.2 and later No.4 and No.5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example definitely shows some wear and sharpening, as well as some past oxidation. The black paint on the grips is slightly worn, and the blade still is the original size, so it has not been sharpened excessively. It still opens correctly, though it needs help to lock fully open. The blade lock works, preventing it from opening or closing when not intended. The Commando marked blade is probably not a true M2 and might be a PX or other private purchase knife. From what we were seeing, the “Commando” M2 knives were produced from 1929 to 1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor further research checkout this forum post about these knives and how to tell WW2 knives from post war (this example is 100% WWII) visit the forum at this link: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.usmilitariaforum.com\/forums\/index.php?\/topic\/259640-wwii-airborne-switchblades\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWWII Airborne Switchblades\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: This knife is definitely considered a \"Switchblade\", so check local laws before ordering.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40868914036805,"sku":"ONSV23KDT32","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23KDT32__01.jpg?v=1702656577","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-commando-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}