Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely, yet effective WWII “theatre made” knife! It appears that the design of this knife was modeled after the M1917 Trench Knife but with a regular bowie style blade and not the triangular stiletto or knuckle guards.
These knives were made by the armorers and engineers, usually in the Pacific theater. The large capital ships needed to have skilled fabricators on board to make repairs and modifications to weapons and gear. Usually the blades were made from existing weapons or from steel components, and the hilts were cast from metals such as aluminum or zinc.
The knife features a heavy cast brass handle which appears to have been molded onto the blade and is extremely well made. The handle is stamped with U.S. ARMY on one side and a partial serial number of 6829773 with the initials H.C.K. on the reverse side. The blade is a lovely bowie inspired blade and even has a visible name, year and home of record etched into the blade towards the spine:
HARRY O. KIRKPATRICK
PEKIN, ILLINOS
1944
The blade knife was either made by or for Harry O. Kirkpatrick (ASN: 96829773) who appears to have enlisted on March 13, 1944. We have not been able to locate any service information on this solider, making for a wonderful research opportunity.
The overall condition is excellent with signs of moderate use and wear. The 6 ½” clip point blade has a near perfect edge with some minor pitting, scratching and staining present on the blade towards the spine. The included leather scabbard appears to have been factory made for another knife, a common thing that was done so a new scabbard didn’t have to be constructed. The stitching and leather is in really good condition and still completely intact. There is staining and scratching present on the surface but nothing damaging.
This is a lovely example of a theater made knife and comes more than ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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