{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle-2","title":"Original U.S. WWII Airborne Schrade Presto M2 No.3 Paratrooper Knife with Painted Metal Handle","description":"Original Item: Only One Available. Worn in the breast pocket of the Paratrooper M-1942 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis wonderful example offered in very good functional condition is marked on the base of the blade (ricasso) as follows:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRESTO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMADE IN THE U.S.A.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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 as 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur example shows some exterior wear to the black painted handle panels. The blade is still factory sharpened with no signs of additional sharpening. There is some overall expected  light wear from handling, storage, and honest use. It still opens correctly, with a strong spring with locks securely fully open. The blade lock works, preventing it from opening or closing when not intended.","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39614992252997,"sku":"ONSV21MAX62","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV21MAX62__03_11fd671c-d310-4451-a183-fcfa1ed326e8.jpg?v=1636767888","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}