Description

WWII US M3 FIGHTING KNIFE WITH NAMED & SERVICE NUMBERED SHEATH

World War Two US M3 Fighting Knife with Leather Scabbard that is Named & Full Service Number Marked to Private Roger Burton Grindle, US Army veteran of the Pacific Theater of Operations from MAINE. Private Grindle was born in Penobscot, Maine and Resided in York, Maine upon his enlistment. Based on extensive research, we can say that with nearly 100% certainty that this M3 Fighting Knife was originally the Cross Guard Marked, Six Groove Handle Version Manufactured in the Latter Part of 1944 by IMPERIAL. On page 102 of his “US Military Fighting Knives. . . ” Book III, Cole mentions a version of the M3 with brown plastic spacers to the leather handle that had all markings ground off of the cross guard and pommel to be sold in surplus stores starting near the end of the war. HOWEVER, others have speculated that the markings were ground off of this design of knives for use by the OSS. In fact, Bill Walters in his “Military Fighting Knives. . . ” book speculates this as well in regard to these later war knives with the plastic spacers to the leather grip. Another bit of information that leads us to believe that this is in fact a “sanitized” guard marked Imperial is, “Skip H” an Edged Weapons Specialist on the US Militaria Forum web page confirms that this knife is without a doubt a six groove handle, guard marked Imperial with reddish brown spacers to the handle. Here is the link to that thread: 

WWII GUARD MARKED IMPERIAL WITH PLASTIC SPACERS TO HANDLE. 

Also, when compared to multiple known examples of late 1944 manufactured six groove handle, cross guard marked M3s manufactured by Imperial, there is little doubt as to this being that exact knife, as the design is quite distinct and unique. . . Long winded and too much detail, I know. . .

Other than the markings being removed, the knife remains in VERY Good Condition with a BEAUTIFUL Blade. Blade shows virtually no signs of age, wear or use. No scratches or sharpening marks and maintains an excellent edge. No damage to the edge or point/tip and no readily apparent rust or corrosion. Six groove, stacked leather washer grip shows some age darkening, use and wear, but also remains very good overall. Grip bears dark reddish brown Bakelite / Plastic spacers to the forward portion just behind the cross guard and to the rear just ahead of the pommel.

Sheath also remains in VERY Good Condition and is clearly marked with the veteran’s surname, “Grindle,” his initials, “RBG,” his FULL service number, “31397911,” and “Maine, N.E. Harbor.” Sheath shows light to moderate signs of age, wear and use as well as some soiling and age darkening, but NO damage, rot or other blemishes. Retaining strap remains solid and flexible and the snap functions properly. No readily apparent damage to any stitching or leather. Knife and sheath definitely appear to have been a matched set for quite some time as the wear to the leather matches the cross guard and pommel perfectly. 

Private Grindle worked at the Todd Shipyard in Bath, Maine at an essential war job prior to enlisting in the US Army in July of 1943. According to his obituary, which you see here, he served in the Solomon Islands, Philippines and the Occupation of Japan before returning home and becoming a Radio and TV Repair Man. This set came to us as part of a large, very advanced collection once owned by a well-known doctor in our area. This is actually a set that I have seriously considered keeping as we rarely come across any M3s or other fighting knives with any sort of history. This may very well be the first one we have ever owned that is so easily researched and documented to a PTO veteran. Overall, this is a very attractive M3 and leather scabbard set that displays very well and is by all means worthy of further research.