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U.S. WWII V-42 Fighting Knife

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
U.S. WWII V-42 Fighting Knife
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
U.S. WWII V-42 Fighting Knife, by Case, in original factory short scabbard as issued on board the USS Omaha. Blade is 7-7/16'' long from bottom of hilt to tip, overall length is 12-1/2''. ''Case'' marked at bottom of ricasso beneath thumb guide. Scabbard is 13-5/8'' long, as correct for USS Omaha known scabbards lack the staples at throat. ''USS Omaha'' marking has been obliterated; however, ''E-21'' rack marks are clear. Approx. 70 of the already super-rare V-42 knives ended up on the light cruiser USS Omaha (CL-4). These knives were part of a group that were members of the ship's landing force and were issued off the coast of Florida in 1943. These sheaths are often found defaced stamping out the Omaha marking to prevent the ship's identification in the event they fell into enemy hands. In 1945 these knives and sheaths were ordered to be thrown overboard into the Phila. Harbor. Many knives and sheaths, however, were retained by the ship's personnel. Wartime s!
hipping records at Case show that in late '42 to early '43 seventy V-42s were shipped to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Condition is very good to fine retaining approx. 85% smoky gray/blue. Grip shows light scuffs and oil toning. Point is intact. Scabbard shows scuffs, darkening, and wear from age. Handle snap is detached and missing. All rivets and stitching are in place and intact. A rare opportunity to acquire the scarcest variation of the most seldom-seen WWII fighting knife. Est.: $4,500-$7,500.