US M3 Fighting Knife opinions please

[RussM]

Looking for some help please, I collect mainly Japanese but have found this item and want to know if it is an original piece. I've searched the forums and cannot find another marked in this way. Any info would be appreciated.

Regards

Russ

[BattleOfTheBulge25]

I’m not 100% sure it’s not my field of expertise either. The original ones I have seen do not have those markings. It’s possible it’s original and very well preserved but the condition of the leather leads me to believe it is not original. Hope this helps!

[MilitariaOne]

Greetings Russ,

This is easy. Ontario was not one of the original WWII manufacturers of WWII era M3s. Here's an example of where they are available today Ontario WWII M3 Trench Knife Fixed 6.875" Blade, Leather Handle, Leather Sheath - KnifeCenter - 8155 steer clear of this or any "Ontario" marked examples if you desire an original WWII made example.

Best,

V/r Lance

[RussM]

Thank you very much for your replies gents, and thank you for the link! Case closed I believe!

Regards

Russ

[Rescue190]

Thank you very much for your replies gents, and thank you for the link! Case closed I believe!

Regards

Russ

Yes it is. The previous replies covered the topic well.
John

[Frogprince]

Not much to add other than Ontario also made reproductions of later (post Vietnam) U.S. bayonets presumably for the collector market. Best Regards, Fred

[Danmark]

I guess Ontario would prefer this be called a "tribute" blade rather than a fake .......

[BillinVA]

Total fake