This knife was carried by a member of Special Forces and represents a custom that was not uncommon among U.S. Forces during that era: It was passed on, or in this specific case, transferred from one outgoing Soldier to a replacement. The original owners name and Regular Army serial number was etched on the blade along at time of purchase. The accompanying provenance documents its passage to a career soldier and subsequent Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army. The “trade” for the knife involved an AK-47, and the SMGR retired from active duty with the knife still in his possession.
The original owner cited a most interesting example of the knife’s use while still carried by him. The event was set down on paper by the Sgt. Major at the time and chronicled at a later date. Accompanying documentation includes a DD214 and a copy of a Bronze Star award, along with a typed letter citing the circumstances of carry.
The knife itself is of mid/late 1960s vintage, with a Solingen blade and ½ tang exposed within the hollow handle. It is used but full and remains in good carried condition. The sheath shows field use, was dyed black and is fully intact with its original stone in the pocket.
The previous item posted in this column entitled Name Etching on Military Blades-Distinguishing Marks, emphasized the importance of the Shop-etched blade when it comes to identification with a historic time or event. This is another good example of a knife which was carried during combat and can be traced to the owners due to the etching. What’s more, these examples are not as prevalent as they once were, due in part to collector interest and should be valued for the interest that they generate.
