Original Item: This is a great example of the legendary WWII Production U.S.M.C marked Mark 2 "Ka-Bar" fighting knife with an initialed leather belt sheath. Marine Corps issue knives are much harder to find on the market than the U.S.N. marked variety. Overall length of this Mark 2 knife is 12 inches, with a 7 inch clip-point blade. The markings on the hand guard are as follows:

The Mk2 Knife was developed as an improvement over the Mk1 design, which had issues with blade snapping due to the thinner design. Working with Union Cutlery, USMC Colonel John M. Davis and Major Howard E. America contributed several important changes, including a longer, stronger blade, the introduction of a small fuller to lighten the blade, a peened pommel (later replaced by a pinned pommel), a straight (later, slightly curved) steel crossguard, and a stacked leather handle for better grip. The knife was officially known as the 1219C2, but it was commonly called the "Ka-Bar" after the trademark of Union Cutlery that was on the blades of early examples. The first production order went out to Camillus Cutlery Company, who produced the largest number of knives during WWII. The design was subsequently adopted by the Navy as the US Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2, and the USMC adopted it as the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife, or simply the Knife, Fighting Utility.

In 1944, the US Navy put through a change order to have the markings moved from the blade to the cross guard, so this knife was produced after that change. It also has the later war "swept back" cross guard. Knife features original leather washer grip, which is in good service worn condition, and it has a heavy steel pommel with cross pinned tang. The grip is still somewhat shiny, as it still has some of the original factory "buffed" finish. the leather has shrunken a bit however, so the grip is a bit loose, as is the cross guard. The washers have separated in several places.

The blade still has some of the original blacked finish, though that is mostly on the body and the fuller. The edge shows the original machining marks, but is also missing most of the finish. and does show use and sharpening  The original blade profile is still correct, but there is wear, and the spine of the blade looks to have been dented somewhat. Possibly it was used to split wood or something similar, and was hammered on the back.

The U.S.N. marked leather sheath is the standard type used with the Mark 2, and is in very good used condition. The leather has faded to a lovely chestnut brown, but it is still supple and without cracks, except on the securing strap. All of the stitching and staples are still intact, and it is structurally very sound. The securing strap is intact, and the snap is still functional, with a faded finish. 

A very nice example of an exceptionally hard to find USMC-marked "KA-BAR" knife, field used with a very nice original leather sheath. We seldom get ones in this great condition. No collection is complete without one! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7"
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" Style
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 2 7/16”
Scabbard Length: 7 3/4" with Belt Loop