{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle-end-loop-2","title":"Original U.S. WWII Airborne Schrade Presto M2 No.3 Paratrooper Knife with Painted Metal Handle \u0026 End Loop","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 heavily service-worn example is offered in good functional condition, and also has the end loop or \"bale\", used to secure a lanyard that would keep the knife from falling to the ground if dropped. It 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBRIDGEPORT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other side is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRESTO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\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 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example definitely shows some heavy service wear and sharpening, as well as some past oxidation. The black paint on the grips is mostly gone, and the blade still is the original size, so it has not been sharpened excessively, though there is sharpening. It still opens correctly, though it is a bit loose when open.\u003cstrong\u003e The blade lock is a bit loose now, and falls out of place if moved, so be careful when handling this. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 3 1\/2”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Clip Point Knife\u003cbr\u003eOverall length closed: 4 15\/16”\u003cbr\u003eOverall length open: 8 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorn in the breast pocket of the Paratrooper M2 Jump Jacket these knives were intended for paratroopers to cut there parachute cords and anything else if they got entangled during a jump. Exceedingly rare and hard to find. For further research 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE: This knife is definitely considered a \"Switchblade\", so check local laws before ordering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44884301217861,"sku":"ONSV26NCS058","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26NCS058__01.jpg?v=1776388475","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-airborne-schrade-presto-m2-no-3-paratrooper-knife-with-painted-metal-handle-end-loop-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}