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Rare Original Case V-42 Fighting Knife

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
Rare Original Case V-42 Fighting Knife
This rare knife was made by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. in 1942 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Originally made for use by the First Special Service Force - "The Devil's Brigade". Knife has a 6-1/2" blade with "CASE" stamping at guard. Blade has signature "thumbprint" in front of guard also. Leather cushioned guard with ribbed grip and unique "skull cracker" base. Overall length is 11-1/2", indicating blade has been shortened, possibly due to breakage at some point. Some accounts show that these were sometimes ground down by users to alleviate withdrawal problems and since largely hand made lengths sometimes differed from status quo. Some 70 of theses knives were issued to U.S. Marine Corps Raiders stationed on the U.S.S. Omaha, which was a ship charged with hunting German commerce raiders and blockade runners. When returned or taken home the leather scabbard had "U.S.S. Omaha" on it and was scraped off. This scabbard has that feature along with correct diamond rivets and staple guide, also leather loop at top with rivet loop fastener. J.T. Livengood Collection.
CONDITION
Knife is in fair condition with blade wear and sharpening being evident. Leather cushion has been glued with the finish fading. Sheath is in fair condition with rubbed area where "U.S.S. Omaha" marking possibly was. Riveted holder is a possible replacement and is missing snap.