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Hey Gang! You guys have got to check out this very rare M3. Found it on the "WorldWar2.Net" site. Item #330349539508. A true rarity. I have made up my mind perhaps someone could enlighten me as to which reference this might be found in.Quite an interesting piece. SKIP
Hi Skip.
At first glance I was somewhat excited. But after some time that feeling passed. Why? Three things.
First. According to an article in Knife World Magazine, the M3 knife was standardized in january of 1943. Production started in march of that same year. Therefor I find it highly unlikely that any prototype would still be made in 1943. The knife was already standardized. So why create (more) experimental knives?
Second. The USMC had already a standard knife - the Ka-bar - so I don't think they were looking for a new one.
And last but not least. Thinking logically and looking at the later original M3's, the M3's were marked with a year of production, the maker and the type of knife. So if I were a manufacturor making an experimental knife I would surely put my name on it. And why put 'experimental' on it? Everybody involved with the prototypes knew it was a prototype.
All in all it feels not quite right.
Ofcourse this is only an educated guess. I could be hopelessly wrong. If I am, please correct me. :-)
Jos-I was joking about the rarity and reference books.This is obviously the greatest faked M3 ever. I about fell over looking at it. I knew it would draw some interest. Jos you are totally correct on your assumptions. Yet someone has bid on it. Probably to draw interest. I have never seen or heard of a US Knifemaker putting the word "experimental" on anything .The letters. at least MC appear to be engraved, along with the " experimental". It seems to be a total garage-made fantasy fabrication. Found another on the web site-"Prototype Sawtooth M1 Bayonet" item#180391951760. This one has a "Buy Now" $450. It is unbelievable!Looks like it was cut with a band saw or Dremel. Definitely pays to do research.Appreciate the input.SKIP
Phew. That's a relieve! You had me worried for a moment. :-)
Can you post a link to the site. I cannot find it.
Thanks
Mark 1-It's off ebay now , but here is the item #330349539508. It had 2 low bids as I recall. I feel bad for someone who may have actually bought it, on the premise it was experimental. SKIP
Mark 1-I was thinking that I might not have given you enough info. Try this, go to " WorldWar2Weapons.net" site. Click into "Edged Weapons". What I do from here is merely click into the first knife listed. Once I've done that I put the item # in the blank rectangle above that knife and click "search" to the right. Thats how I brought it back up to double check to see if it was still available. Hope this helps. SKIP