Item:
ONSV7307

Original U.S. WWII Service Worn Airborne Schrade Presto M2 No.2 Paratrooper Knife with Metal Handle

Item Description

Original 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.

This very nice service worn example offered in good functional condition is marked on the base of the blade (ricasso) as follows:

GEO. SCHRADE
BRIDGEPORT
CONN.

and

PRESTO
MADE IN THE U.S.A.

The 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 s the No.1, and the larger No.3. These had 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. This example is the shorter No.2, which originally was 7 1/8" long with a 3 1/8" long blade.

Our example definitely shows some wear and sharpening, as well as some past oxidation. The black paint on the grips is virtually worn away except in the grooves of the "jigged" texture, and the grip scales themselves are somewhat loose on the rivets. The original "bale" on the bottom was removed, but the original longer rivet is still present.

The blade itself is now about 1/4" shorter than originally, and shows much sharpening. This knife was definitely used extensively during the war, and possibly afterwards. It still opens correctly, though it needs a little help to lock fully open at times. The blade lock works, preventing it from opening or closing when not intended.

For further research checkout this forum post about these knives and how to tell WW2 knives from post war (this example is 100% WWII) visit the forum at this link.

NOTE: This knife is definitely considered a "Switchblade", so check local laws before ordering.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington

    This product is not available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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