WW2 Camillus Marine Raider/Parachute Battalion/Signal BN Stiletto (1943 Named)

Description

Genuine WW2 Camillus US Marine Raider/Parachute Battalion (Paramarine)/Signal BN Stiletto manufactured under government contract in 1942-1943.
This is a solid specimen of the rather rare Camillus Marine Raider Stiletto manufactured for America’s very first Special Operations and Airborne units such as the Marine Raiders, Paramarines, and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. As shown in the attached documents, just over 14,000 of these knives were manufactured and very few remain in such excellent condition.
Provenence:
This specimen has characteristics which offer rich research opportunities pointing to the combat service of its original owner.
Signal Corps
: This Raider Stiletto has annotations on the original sheath that indicate it was owned by a Marine in the
Signal Battalion Headquarters of the Fifth Amphibious Corps
(III, IV, V Marine Divisions). This is an interesting revelation because it means that this Marine was either a former Raider or Paramarine who later transferred into Signal Battalion or that he was an active Marine Raider involved in critical communications for all the Raider and Parachute Battalions within 5th Phib Corps (3rd and 4th Raiders), or assigned to the Joint Assault Signal Companies (JASCO). Unfortunately, I have not been able to definitively match the legible parts of the rank and name to a complete by-name roll from the pertinent Raider Battalions, Signal Battalion, or Marine Parachute Battalion because I don’t have such lists. More research will be needed.
Navajo Code Talker Connection:
Upon further research, it has been discovered that the named Signal Battalion unit was in charge of the Navajo Code Talkers for the Marine Raider Battalions, Marine Parachute Battalion, and all other units within the 5th Amphibious Corps. The Marine
Navajo Code Talkers
were a top secret unit that were developed at the same time as the Marine Raiders, and who were attached to them to ensure stealth and surprise in combat. Two Navajo Code Talkers were attached to every Battalion and these secret teams participated in every Marine landing after proving their worth at Guadalcanal (1942). Signal Battalion Code Talkers attached to the Parachute and Marine Raider Battalions have been identified, verifying that the original owner of this knife would have been involved in the secret “Navajo Weapon”. One Signal Battalion Officer with the 5th Amphibious Corps famously stated that the six Code Talker nets he led on Iwo Jima were key to the Marine victories there and all over the South Pacific. The Navajo Code and the names of the Marines involved in their secret missions remained classified until 1968 in order to preserve the code’s viability during Korea and Vietnam. It it the only wartime code that has never been broken.
The Blade:
The blade of this specimen was stamped out of high carbon tool steel and is just over 7 inches in length as called for in the Camillus Cutlery work order (see attachment). Likewise, the blade is highly polished and retains a visible ghost of the curved USMC scroll etching. There is a decent view of the Camillus Maker’s Mark etchings as well under the right lighting angle. There are signs of minor scratching and pitting on the blade and a nice patina has darkened much of the factory glazed bright surface. The tip has been blunted by approximately 1/8 inch, but has not been reshaped. This is a common condition for these “killing knives” because they were made for one purpose, but were often used for fieldcraft or simply opening crates or rations, resulting in many broken tips.
The Hilt:
The hilt is made of an experimental Zinc-Aluminum alloy designed shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor to conserve strategic metals. The chequering is clean and well-defined and their is a soft grey patina throughout. The hand guard is intact without any signs of structural weakness.
The Sheath:
The original M6 style Mosser supplied leather sheath is the original mate. It is complete with leather leg lace, hilt retaining strap, and snap, and is in good condition. There is a small slice just below the reenforcing staples where the blade tip may have pierced it. There is some readable writing on the back of the sheath indicating a possible research opportunity. Original sheaths in this condition can run over 0!
Overall
, this is a solid specimen that would make a spectacular addition to your collection or as a gift. Please view all the photos, as they are an integral part of the description. Please do not hesitate to ask questions. Price includes one stiletto , leather leg throng, and its sheath only. U.S. Navy TBY-4 Code Talker radios, Handie Talkies, display box, GI Helmet, HBT cover, Marine Amphibious Corps patches, Gung Ho Machete, Ka-Bar, and all other accoutrements are for scale, context, and display purposes only. Please message me if interested in any other items.
Thank You