Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. These daggers are exceedingly rare, and this is the only one we have ever handled, and we can only find records of a very few ever being available. These daggers were made in China for a company of U.S. Marines when they were assigned as U.S. Embassy Guards in Shanghai, China circa 1938-1941. Research indicates that only 100 or so were ever made. The dagger measures 15 1/2 inches overall, with a 10 3/4 inch blade.
In May 1941 Admiral Glassford of YANGPAT and Consul General in Shanghai, Frank B. Lockhart, had concerns for Americans in China due to the threat posed by Japan. They sent a recommendation to Secretary of State Hull for withdrawal of Marines from China. Apparently U.S. Ambassador Clarence Gauss wanted the Marines to stay, but on 10 November Washington ordered the Marines out of China. On 27-28 November the 4th Marines departed from Shanghai and headed for the Philippines, where they would fight the Japanese until their May 1942 surrender. Then followed the Bataan Death March and imprisonment. The survival rate of these daggers would have to be considered low.
The design of the dagger is very interesting, and quite attractive. There are dragons motifs embossed onto the scabbard drag as well as on the grips. The Pommel has the U.S. Flag crossed with the Chinese Nationalist flag, with the base of the pommel being the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) insignia. The EGA is also seen on both sides of the scabbard throat, in a much larger design. The cross guard is a simple design, with a small ball at each end.
Various parts of the decorations are decorated with blue and red enamel, much of which has unfortunately faded. The blade is double edged, with a small fuller down the center on each side. The grip is clear celluloid covered Wood, which has separated from the grip on one side. The scabbard looks to originally have been silvered brass, however the silvering has worn away over the years, and there is a small dent in the side.
A trully rare military dagger, most likely the only one we will ever have available. Ready for display!
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