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There seems to be a lot of confusion on what is considered correct for the M2knife that was issued to WWII US paratroopers. Was the handle bone? Or was is black painted metal or plastic? Did it have a bale on the end or not? What is correct for WWII? Here's a link to the most information I've personally seen regarding these very interesting knives. Scroll down.
EQUIPMENT page 2
Cole's book #3 page 144, and the Cole book redone by Silvey page 201 says:
M2 Paratropper Knife developed in late 1940 for paracute jumpers after 50 knives were ordered from Schrade Cutlery Co. for testing. It was adoped in Dec 1940 as Knife, Pocket, M2. The knife was opened by pressing a button on the handle causing a spring to fly the blade open.
No.1
Stamped Schrade/ Cut. Co/ walden N.Y. has genuine bone handles the clip blade is 3 1/8" the overall length is 7 1/4".
No.2 & No. 3
Are exactly the same knife except No.3 being a larger copy of No.2. Both have metal handles, painted black. No.2 has a 3" blade 7 1/8" overall. No.3 has a 3 3/4" blade and is 8 3/4" O.A. Both are stamped "Presto"/made is U.S.A.. Obverse "Geo. Schrade/Bridgeport/Conn.
No.4
Stamped Pronto/Colonial. smooth black plastic handles. Blade 3" overall length is 7 1/8. This is probably not a government issue knife as it appears entirely to light and flimsey for hard usage.
No.5
Above is the packing slip found with this knife. It has black imitation bone handles. 3 1/8" blade, 7 1/4" O.A. Stamped Schrade/Walden/N.Y. U.S.A.
Here is one I have.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife009-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife017-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife015-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife014-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife012-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Knife011-1.jpg
Jim, does the book distinguish which ones are correct for WWII? Bando's website inicates only the bone handle knives at a certain length and w/o patent numbers are correct. Yours looks just like the ones in the box. I have the second type also without the patent numbers and the blade is marked like yours but with the bale. You have a very nice example. They are very difficult to find and pricey.