Virtual Museum Other Items

M3 Fighting Knife and Screwdriver

Each of these items were manufactured in 1943 by the Imperial Knife Co., of Providence R.I. Of the nine contractors supplying this type of knife to the US Military, Imperial was the largest, making approximately 854,000 knives.

The list of all Manufacturers follows:

Aerial Cutlery Co. of Marinette, WI. – 51,784 knives.
H. Boker & Co. of NY, NY – 31,300 knives.
Camillus Cutlery Co. of Camillus, NY – 404,109 knives
W. R. Case & Sons of Bradford, PA – 300,465 knives
Imperial Knife Co. of Providence, R.I. – 854,000 knives
Kinfolks Inc. of Little Valley, NY – 135,548 knives
Pal Blade & Tool Co. of Plattsburg, NY – 121,100 knives
Robeson Cutlery Co. of Perry, NY – 36,575 knives
Utica Cutlery Co. of Utica, NY – 655,000 knives

The first knife is a nice example of an item that has seen service but was well cared for and remains in very good original condition. It was likely brought home by the soldier as a souvenir.

At one time the second knife looked identical to the first knife. In 1999, it was found on a farm near Vielsalm, Belgium, Approx. 15 Mi S.S.W. of Malmedy and 35 Mi N.N.E. of Bastogne, Belgium. It was likely lost or abandoned by an American soldier during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. During the war years in German occupied territories most things were in short supply, including tools. The farmer obviously needed a screwdriver more than he needed a fighting knife.

This pair, poses an interesting dilemma to collectors. Which is more valuable? The first knife has condition but is common, whereas the second knife has no condition (even for a screwdriver) but is a one of a kind item with a historical association.

You decide, I did.