USMC Hospital Corpsman Knives

[wilbur46]

Hi,
I've started a collection of these knives.
I was a HM2 in the RVN 66-67-68, but I had never seen these before.
I was given a Briddell by a WW2 Corpsman I met at the USMC birthday luncheon!
He didn't know anything in particular other than it was issued to him in 43.
I was doing some on-line research and was lucky enough to get a reply from Frank Trzaska, giving me the Cole V.3 info as well as the text of an article he had written on their history.
Wow!
My interest is in having one example of each version, and at this point I need #s 9and 10.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone else who collects these knives in particular, and any other historical details they might have to share.
I'll add pics as soon as I figure out your forum format.

Regards

Information

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[CharlieEcho]

USMC CORPSMAN KNIFE

Above is a great link on all types of military weapons and equipment. I have five of these
Corpsman's knives. I intend to give one to each of my grandsons. I have one Chatillion I use on a regular basis to chop kindling limbs for our fire ring. It was my first.

The "Plumb" and "Clyde" are the rarest and I've not seen a lot of those. They bring a premium price. The "Clyde" is usually marked on the reverse side of the blade as compared to the others. The "Plumb" I've seen was marked close to the handle. Many of these knives are pitted and or have broken handles. You can replace these handles. Here is a link for that. Gun Parts Made in America for sale! - (Powered by CubeCart)


The scabbards can run around fifty dollars alone in various conditions. The blades I have seen run from very pitted and "dented" on the back to pristine, at a very high price. Most I have seen were unfinished or what they call bright.

Good luck.

[Garandrew]

I collected them..I sold the collection..you should be looking for a USMC entrenching machete, squared tip...much rarer

[wilbur46]

Thanks for the info and comments. I can't find anyone who actively collects/trades them.
I have see the entrenching tool style, and they are neat but they are technically not HCKs.
I'm still looking for #s 9 and 10 (unmarked blade and small USMC near handle).
I have seen a few but they were not available. Scabbards not necessary.
I'm trying to attach a pic.
Thanks again for the interest, W

[wilbur46]

Hi guys,
My collection progresses. I now have a nice example of # 10 ( small usmc near grips).
I'm still looking for an example of a completely unmarked blade.
It doesn't have to be in excellent condition and I don't need a scabbard. I would even consider one with broken/missing grips, depending on condition.
Check my picture!
Thanks again, W

Former Corpsman, RVN 66,67,68

[wilbur46]

Hi guys,
I'm still working on my collection of Hospital Corps Knives.
I recently thought I had at last found example #9, a completely unmarked blade.
It was on ebay, but I did get it. Upon close inspection though, it was not an original.
Although it was close, it had a blade that was too thin and tapered in the grips.
It was marked with a perpendicular U.S., which no original version has.
the grips looked correct but were attached with threaded nuts/bolts instead of the cutlery rivets. I asked Frank T. what he thought and he agreed , not original. Drat!!
So I am still looking for example #9 (Cole V.lll ) an unmarked blade.
Any help appreciated.
Regards, W

[WarPig1976]

Forgive my ignorance, what was the intended use.? Little big for a fighting knife is my first impression.

[browningautorifle]

the intended use.?

General use machete. Used for chopping poles for stretchers. And opening ration cans...