{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-large-eg-waterman-e-g-w-leather-grip-fighting-knife-with-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWII Large EG Waterman E.G.W. Leather Grip Fighting Knife with Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Offered in very nice condition, this is a genuine U.S. WWII fighting knife, produced by E.G. Waterman Company of New York City. This knife comes with its original scabbard.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese knives were very popular among USGIs during WWII due to their versatility. While not an official U.S. issue, private purchase knives were extremely common. Multiple variations were made with both wood and leather handles (see page 165 of U.S. Military Knives Collector's Guide By Silvey \u0026amp; Boyd). This example has a stacked leather handle, similar to many other military knives of the period. Overall length of the knife is 11 3\/4 inches, with a 7 1\/4 inch \"bowie\" blade with the bottle opener. The ricasso is factory-stamped with the classic up-side down marking:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE.G.W\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKNIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fighting knives were popular with the troops during the war and most purchased knives were used as intended - in camps, trenches, and in combat. EGW's high carbon steel blades kept a good edge but were prone to rust; relatively few survived the War in presentable condition such as this.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knife does not show extensive use or sharpening in the field. The bottle opener claw looks to have broken off, and was then filed level. The original lanyard loop on the bottom is still attached.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original leather scabbard is in good shape, with a functional snap. There are some holes on the belt loop, probably made for attaching souvenirs or insignia, which was a common sight. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great customized knife \u0026amp; scabbard from WWII, ready to add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40209208442949,"sku":"ONJR22AJS38","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR22AJS38__02.jpg?v=1658538422","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-large-eg-waterman-e-g-w-leather-grip-fighting-knife-with-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}