Rare Vintage WWII-era custom/theater-made style knife featuring a7-inch blade closely matching the classic U.S. Mark 2 / Ka-Bar pattern, with a distinctive Lucite handle and ornate custom tooled leather sheath.
This is a very unusual knife. The blade measures approximately7 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide at its widest point, with a pronounceddouble-sided fuller approximately 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 inches long on each side. The blade profile, proportions, 7-inch length, and double-sided fuller are consistent with the well-known WWII-eraMark 2 / Ka-Bar style fighting and utility knife pattern.
The knife measures approximately11 3/4 inches overall.
Rather than the standard stacked-leather Mark 2 handle configuration, this example appears to have beencustom assembled or modified, featuring a distinctive clear/translucent Lucite handle with a dark or black material visible within the handle. The handle assembly includes a custom guard, thin stacked brass spacers, and an aluminum pommel. The pommel is flush pinned.
The knife is exceptionally solid withabsolutely no loose parts.
The accompanying sheath is equally interesting. It is an ornate, heavily tooled leather sheath that appears custom made and incorporates arigid internal metal or hard-shell blade receiver/scabbardinside the leather. The blade slides securely into this internal receiver.
The combination of aWWII Mark 2 / Ka-Bar-pattern bladewith a custom Lucite handle, aluminum pommel, brass construction, and elaborate tooled leather sheath makes this a particularly unusual example.
The construction and materials are consistent with the type of custom or theater-made knives associated with the WWII era. Lucite and other salvaged or readily available materials were used in a variety of wartime custom-made items, although the exact source of the Lucite in this knife is unknown.
Important identification note:The blade closely matches the dimensions and general configuration of the WWII Mark 2 / Ka-Bar pattern, but the exact blade manufacturer has not been established. This listing doesnotclaim that the complete knife is an original factory-issued Ka-Bar. The custom handle, guard, pommel, and sheath appear to have been individually crafted.
The knife is inexcellent vintage conditionwith normal signs of age appropriate to an item of this type. The knife is solid and secure with no loose components. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition, construction, markings, and details.
Measurements:
Overall length: approximately11 3/4 inches
Blade length: approximately7 inches
Blade width: approximately1 1/4 inches at widest point
Fuller: approximately1/2 inch wide x 2 1/2 inches long on each side
You will receive theexact knife and sheath shown in the photographs.
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