{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usmc-rare-red-spacer-mark-2-ka-bar-fighting-knife-by-robeson-shuredge-with-leather-scabbard-extremely-scarce","title":"Original U.S. WWII USMC Rare “Red Spacer” Mark 2 KA-BAR Fighting Knife by Robeson Shuredge with Leather Scabbard - Extremely Scarce","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The originator of the KA-BAR trademark, Union Cutlery Co, began using the name in 1923, having received a letter from a fur trapper who had used the knife to kill a wounded bear which attacked him when his rifle jammed. According to company records, the letter was only partially legible; \"ka bar\" could be read, as fragments of the phrase \"kill a bear\". In 1923, the company adopted the name Ka-Bar from the \"bear story\" as its trademark. From 1923, the KA-BAR trademark was used as a ricasso stamp by Union Cutlery Co. on its line of automatic switchblade pocket knives, including the KA-BAR Grizzly, KA-BAR Baby Grizzly, and KA-BAR Model 6110 Lever Release knives. The company produced about 1 million knives with the trademark on the ricasso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an outstandingly scarce KA-BAR knife, one of the rarest we have ever offered. This example is by Robeson Shuredge, by far the rarest maker of the USMC Mk II Knife. The markings on the blade ricasso are as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.M.C.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other side is marked:\u003cbr\u003ethe US Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2, and the USMC adopted it as the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife, or simply the Knife, Fighting Utility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in very good condition, with retention of the original phosphate finish, around 65%. The edge is still relatively sharp, and definitely looks to have been possibly field sharpened with a whetstone. The red spacer stacked leather washer grip is in great condition with good period wear and some verdigris. The Peened pommel and markings on the blade indicate early production. It looks like the pommel may have been sanded down a bit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheath is a heavily worn example which has a functional securing snap, with some heavy wear to the leather to include some slits along the belt loop. There is also a hole stamped through the top of the belt loop. There is denting to the securing snap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely scarce Mk. II knife, one of the rarest we have ever offered. Ready for further research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 7\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Clip-point \"Bowie\" Style\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 12 1\/8“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 7 7\/8\" with Belt Loop\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45097202024517,"sku":"ONSV26HAD001","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/6FADA222-B389-46BD-99BB-7C7C09CE0496.jpg?v=1780513925","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usmc-rare-red-spacer-mark-2-ka-bar-fighting-knife-by-robeson-shuredge-with-leather-scabbard-extremely-scarce","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}