WWII USMC RED SPACER KA-BAR W/SHEATH & PROVENANCE

Description

WWII USMC RED SPACER KA-BAR W/SHEATH & PROVENANCE.   One of the most desirable knives for military knife collectors is the early, red-spacer KA-BAR fighting knife made for the U. S. Marine Corps.  Many were lost in combat and many more suffered rust, rot, and other damage from salt water immersion, jungle humidity and other bad conditions.  Consequently, ones in excellent condition like this one are scarce.  What is even rarer is to find one like this with its provenance.  Here, we have the complete service record of the Marine who carried it, Corporal Leonard James Richards, USMCR, who served from April 3, 1942 until he was honorably discharged on April 8, 1945 after being badly wounded and recuperating.  A copy of his complete service record with be supplied to the buyer of his KA-BAR.  As shown by the photos, the knife and sheath were obviously carried by Corporal Richards, but remain in excellent condition.  The blade especially retains almost all of its original blued finish and has not been sharpened.  The sheath is a rather rare "USMC/BOYT/43" version to which Corporal Richards added a barracks cap enlisted EGA.  If you have any questions, please ask before buying or making an offer.  Thanks.