Item Description
Original 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 it's original scabbard, which has had some WWII Souvenirs attached, in the form of German insignia, and is named on the back.
These knives were very popular among USGIs during WWII due to their versatility. While not 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 & 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, which originally had a bottle opener, now ground off. The ricasso is factory-stamped with the classic up-side down marking:
E.G.W
KNIFE
These 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.
This knife does show extensive use and sharpening in the field. This has definitely changed the blade profile a bit, and reduced the width an thickness of the blade. The edge is still partly sharp, though the tip of the blade is now quite thin, with a bit of a tip rollover. The bottle opener claw looks to have broken off, and was then filed level. The original lanyard loop on the bottom is still attached.
The original leather scabbard and is in good shape, with a functional snap. What makes it really great though is the personalization added to it during service in the European Theater of WWII. The front of the scabbard has a German WWII visor cap Cockade and Wreath attached, as well as a shoulderboard "pip" ornament. There is also writing on both the front and back of the scabbard, with the back listing locations such as GERMANY, ENGLAND, FRANCE, and LUXEMBOURG, while the front is named to Billy. The writing is not entirely clear due to age, but it really makes this a wonderful piece of history.
A great customized knife & scabbard from WWII, ready to add to your collection!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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