{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-blade-marked-second-pattern-m3-fighting-knife-by-camillus-with-m8-scabbard-by-b-m-co","title":"Original U.S. WWII Blade Marked Second Pattern M3 Fighting Knife by Camillus with M8 Scabbard by B.M. Co.","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. A fine U.S. WWII M3 fighting knife manufactured by the \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCamillus Cutlery Company\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e and accompanied by an early-pattern U.S. M8 scabbard produced by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eB.M. Co\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spear-point blade is stamped on the obverse ricasso:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eU.S. M3 CAMILLUS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis undated marking arrangement is generally identified as the second pattern, introduced after the earliest 1943-dated examples. The underside of the steel pommel also retains the U.S. Ordnance Department “\u003cb\u003eFlaming Bomb\u003c\/b\u003e” inspection mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife displays the standard M3 configuration, with a narrow spear-point blade and sharpened false edge, remaining in great condition. The blade shows clear evidence of period sharpening and authentic field use, giving the knife the characteristic wear expected from an issued wartime example. It is fitted with the standard steel crossguard, with one end turned forward to form a thumb rest, and a grooved grip constructed from stacked leather washers. The leather grip remains complete and is in very good condition considering its age and evident period handling. The blade markings are well preserved and remain fully legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife is accompanied by an original olive-drab M8 scabbard, with the steel throat stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eU.S. M8\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eB.M. CO.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe B.M. Co. marking identifies \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBeckwith Manufacturing Company\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, the wartime producer associated with both the M8 and M8A1 scabbards. This example is the earlier M8 configuration, fitted with a simple web belt loop and lacking the later M1910-style wire attachment hook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe molded, resin-impregnated scabbard body retains much of its original olive-drab finish, only showing abrasions and wear at the lower tip. The web belt hanger remains intact, and the retaining strap continues to fasten securely, though it should be handled with care. The steel throat and exposed metal fittings are also well preserved. Any wear is clearly shown in the photographs, and the scabbard remains a correct early M8 companion to this WWII M3 Fighting Knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M3 was adopted in 1943 as a purpose-built fighting knife for U.S. Army personnel who were not normally issued a bayonet. Airborne troops, Rangers, and other specialized or front-line personnel received early priority, although distribution later expanded to soldiers armed with weapons such as the M1 Carbine and various submachine guns. Its blade profile, stacked-leather grip, and overall construction later served as the basis for the M4 bayonet adopted for use with the M1 Carbine. Production of the M3 was comparatively brief, ending in 1944 as the M4 bayonet replaced it in service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Spear Point Knife\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 6 ¾”\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 12 ½”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2 ½”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 7 ½\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45499462942789,"sku":"ONSV26CC029","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26CC029__01.jpg?v=1786122523","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-blade-marked-second-pattern-m3-fighting-knife-by-camillus-with-m8-scabbard-by-b-m-co","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}