M-3 knives

[rra227]

Walkwolf,Thanks. Should I have put production numbers for eack maker?
Pammy,Thanks.
davejb,I do not have many. A guy I know has almost 400 of them.All the stuff in the pics cost me about $300.
cricketchris1944,Thanks. Shame the Utica was not cared for better.
ehawk,Thanks.
Reibert,Great history of your knife. Only 1 came from a vet. Rest were flea market buys. But the Case was only $35.
Chopperman, Nice knife and thanks for posting it. Now the members can see a your original and my copy. Rich A. in Pa.

[Walkwolf]

Attachment 180200

Chris, can you show a photo of the entire grip ?

It is possible this is a 're-work' by a soldier, or done postwar. It does not seem
to have a 'standard' crossguard in place - a bent type or otherwise - as well,
the last few leather grip washers near the guard seem too large and flared
compared to typical M3 handles from the photo, but it could just be
my poor eyesight.......................!

It is thought that the 'bend' in the crossguard was to enable orientation
of the sharpened side of the blade in darkened conditions. A few M3
guards were actually produced without this bend. These knives
usually have smooth handles !

[cricketchris1944]

Getting ready to take pictures for you.
the handle does look smooth ,it is different from the one posted.
but will see what you have to say,you know more than me on this item.

Chris

[cricketchris1944]

[Walkwolf]

Definitely been re-gripped at some point. Difficult to say when, but probably around
WWII, as it looks like an old, 'period' repair.

Almost every M3 was made with 6 to 8 grooves in the handle, normally (with slight
swelling in the middle). Sometimes the grip leather rotted or was badly damaged,
and someone with some skill would fashion new leather so the knife could be
useable again - a field repair, sometimes called a 'theatre made' knife.

The crossguard seems ok in the above photos, though I think must have been
flattened the same time the grip was installed.............

[cricketchris1944]

Definitely been re-gripped at some point. Difficult to say when, but probably around
WWII, as it looks like an old, 'period' repair.

Almost every M3 was made with 6 to 8 grooves in the handle, normally (with slight
swelling in the middle). Sometimes the grip leather rotted or was badly damaged,
and someone with some skill would fashion new leather so the knife could be
useable again - a field repair, sometimes called a 'theatre made' knife.

Thanks for the info.still a good Normandy find with history.

[Walkwolf]

It definitely is...................!

[Leekres]

M3 Imperial with M8. Looking for any information on this blade.