M6 Scabbard - Is it real?

[dt1950]

Gentlemen: I bought this scabbard at the Houston Gunshow in the late 70's or early 80's. It was nice and bright until I put neatsfoot oil on it (I know, I know, the ignorance of youth!). Its never had a knife in it and has the staples on the throat. What throws me off is that none of my reference books show an example with the leather strip over the staples. On top of that, it has been made "sterile" or demilitarized by starring out the maker. Is this scabbard the real deal? I'm thinking of selling it and want to assure myself it is original before I pass it along to another collector. Any feedback as to its origin and worth would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, H.T.

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

dt1950,

I say it is real. But I only see 7 staples at the throat, is one being hiden by the leather strap?

Of the M-6 scabbards I have seen and read about, only one has that 3 staple pattern down the sides. It was marked:

U.S.M6
L&C
1943
FJA



If you have Cole's book III it shows a drawing on page 106.

Doing some digging I found a guy on youtube showing his M-3 collection. At the far left he has two M-6 Scabbards with the strap like yours. It even has the same circle star pattern stamps over the maker area. Check it out.

So my question is, are you selling and how much? Email me.

JimF

[browningautorifle]

Tell me dt, how has the Neatsfoot oil affected the scabbard? Is it Hard? Like glass? I have one here that a friend "helped"out by oiling and it's hard.

[dt1950]

To both Jims, thanks for your replies. As to what I want for the scabbard, I don't know at this time. That is one of the reasons I posted to the forum. As to the neatsfoot oil, it darkened the leather; it remains supple. Regards, H.T.

[SKIPH]

JimF-Thanks for posting that video. It was interesting. As far as that M6 goes, saw one at the Raleigh show on the 1st of Jan. It was an L&C, w/ the staple strap. Those flowered looking over-stamps seem to show up on the L&C's. I have one w/ same stamp-over, but can actually see the original makers marks under it. THX SKIP

[dt1950]

Again thanks to all that responded to my request. To those of you that have shown interest, I shall be posting the scabbard for sale on Ebay starting Saturday evening. Regards, H.T.

[gew8805]

Tell me dt, how has the Neatsfoot oil affected the scabbard? Is it Hard? Like glass? I have one here that a friend "helped"out by oiling and it's hard.

That would be interesting to know, but if "pure" neatsfoot oil is used it won't cause any problems at all, just don't drown the leather, a light coat is all that is necessary. Too often people try to soften hard leather with neatsfoot oil and other "preservatives". Your friend likely applied too much neatsfoot oil compound not pure neatsfoot oil. If it is "hard like glass" it has has likely been store in a very dry, hot place and is suffering from dry rot, this scabbard shows no sign of that and pure neatsfoot oil will not cause it, only a lack of moisture and heat will.

As far as stiffness, remember that leather used on a scabbard of this type should have a firm hand - that means that it will be relatively stiff but still flexible. If soft leather is used, the scabbard can flex when the blade is inserted and will eventually (sooner than you think) cut through the scabbard causing the user to be injured. It doesn't seem to have been harmed by oiling, if nothing else leather will darken with age, especially if stored or displayed in a place where sunlight shines on it, causing more damage than darkening.