WWII USMC/USN 5th Version "BLANK BLADE" FIGHTING KNIFE W/USMC SHEATH

Description

WWII USMC/USN 5th Version "BLANK BLADE" FIGHTING KNIFE W/USMC SHEATH.  Along with the thousands of knives the Union Cutlery Company (i.e., KA-BAR) specifically made for the U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Navy - all of which were marked as such either on their blades or their guards - it also made a number of knives which were not marked for either service - the so-called "Blank Blades."  Some say that these "Blank Blades" were made just for the U. S. Marine Corps, but I disagree.  I think they were made without a specific service marking so they could be shipped to the South Pacific and issued to whichever service - Marines or Navy - needed knives at the time.  As shown by the photos, this knife has been lightly sharpened and the upper part of its guard is bent back.  Otherwise the knife is tight, solid, and in very good to excellent condition.  This knife is what I call a 5th Version Blank Blade because of its narrow, so-called "wasp waist"  handle shape, the stamping of just "KA-BAR" on its left ricasso, and it is a 3rd Generation KA-BAR knife as shown by its pommel attachment. The knife comes with an unmarked USMC leather sheath which would be in excellent condition except that someone's dog (the Marine's?) has chewed on the top of it.  If you have any questions, please ask before bidding or buying.  Thanks.