I have read that the Third Pattern didn't begin production till 1943 but this one is dated 1942 and I was able to purchase it direct from the 6th Para Regiment veterans state back in 1998, so I will have to defer to the experts on this one.
This is probably the rarest M3 I have. I bought this from a 17th AB Div soldier and he carried on Operation Varsity.
I bought this with a large group of US paratrooper uniforms and equipment from a soldier who was tragically killed while in training. The Army shipped everything home and I got it from a good friend of mine who found the grouping while out garage saleing.
These are a fairly uncommon(especially in this condition)variation of this ubiquitous knife.
I bought this from the veteran (A SBD Dauntless Pilot during the war) and he had recieved it from his brother before he shipped out. The knife is in absolutely great condition and I will keep this one for awhile.
I've got some very good ww2-1980's? soviet propaganda posters (bought a set), and other misc stuff from the 1980s, iff any one needs photos, drop me a line.
I've been surprised at the lack of Iron crosses on this forum.
Here are a few that might spur some interest.
I found this at a garage sale last year and was very pleasantly surprised as you can probably imagine. These were made in Glendale CA by a tool and die maker who bought large numbers of the WWI "Patton" sabre, cut them into three pieces and made fighting knives from those pieces. They are well made and the handles are either grey or brown in color. This particular knife was made from the tip section.
This is one of the rarer private purchase knives that the US soldier had at his disposal. They were made in New York out of a solid piece of steel. This is exceptionally tough!
I bought this medal grouping a few years ago from the mans daughter and her sister(they live in San Diego now). He was with the South West Transvaal Rifles during the Great War and according to the daughter was the sole survivor of the Regiment.
He later served in WWII as well and has the medal for that as well. The medal bar was put together by his wife which is why it isn't quite up to standard. The diary is very cool as he describes his units search for German troops in the Veldt.
