Here is probably the most rare of all United States fighting knives that were issued during World War II. This particular knife was made in 1943 and it was issued to the US Navy in a Marine Raider Stiletto Sheath. According to research, there were only 70 of these knives issued to the navy in that manner...this is one of them!!!!

The origins of this knife go back to 1942 and were issued to the FSSF (First Special Service Force) of a joint effort of the United States and Canada. These soldiers were trained at Fort William Henry Harrison in Montana. The unit saw action in Italy and Southern France. They earned the nickname of the Devils Brigade from a captured German Officer\'s diary who wrote, “The black devils are all around us every time we come into line and we never hear them.”

Research has shown that It has been reported that some V-42 knives were issued with U.S. Marine Corps Raider stiletto scabbards to members of the USS Omaha Landing Force. The fact that a few of those knives were procured by the Navy is confirmed in the Case Company’s shipping records, which indicate that some seventy V-42 knives were sent to the Brooklyn Navy Depot in late 1942 and early 1943. The seventy V-42s received by the U.S. Navy were the only knives sent to a unit or branch outside the First Special Service Force.

This particular knife is in very good condition with over 90% of the original finish remaining. The knife has not been retipped and it measures 12 and 1/4 inches with a cutting edge of 7 inches. The sheath is in great shape with the original leg tie still attached. The rivets show great patina and it is the correct scabbard for these knives that were issued to the navy in Marine Raider Sheaths.

Overseas shipping will be by registered mail only!!!!