Lot 638: Two Early Side-Marked U.S. M3 Fighting Knives with Sheaths

The main-line American Army fighting knife of World War II, the M3 knife was introduced to service with the right flat of the blade used as a location for the maker's marks. While a nice, broad canvas, concerns were raised that the blade stamps could have a negative effect on the strength of the knife, so only the earliest M3s are so marked. Each knife comes with a B.M. Co. M8 sheath. 1) Side-marked Imperial M3, 11 5/8 inches overall, with a 6 3/4 inch blade with a spear point, sharpened false edge, and "U.S. M3 IMPERIAL" on the right flat. Ribbed leather washer grip, with a "flaming bomb" stamp on the pommel. Fine with mild spotting and scuffing. 2) Side-marked H. Boker & Co. M3, 11 1/2 inches overall, 6 5/8 inch blade with spear point, sharpened false edge, "U.S. M3" and "H.BOKER&CO/U.S.A." on the right flat. Ribbed leather washer grip, with "flaming bomb" stamp on the pommel. Fair with some moderate pitting on the metal and dark patina. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection