U.S. WW2 IMPERIAL M-3 Trench Knife, Blade marked; “U.S. M-3 IMPERIAL”, 8 groove leather washer handle has black resin spacers at the guard and pommel. The handle in excellent condition. There is 95 % medium gray smooth texture parkerized metal finish remaining, with wear at the proud machining marks on the blade bevel and edge. The blade edge has been lightly sharpened, and maintains a full blade. There is a slight nick in the blade where it sweeps up toward the point The tang is staked in a uniform multiple-strike pattern. The U.S. Ordnance Acceptance Flaming Bomb stamped on the flat of the pommel next to the tang. This Imperial M-3 comes with a M-6 Scabbard, made by VINER Brothers, and it is stamped; ‘U.S. M6, VINER BROS. 1943” on front at the throat. In addition the front of the scabbard is ink marked; “Sgt R Budz”, up-side down and slightly above the guard, and covered by the leather handle. The back of the scabbard is also marked “R. Budz” with the soldier’s service number, which has been obscured. There are two slight strips of old red paint on the back, but minor. The metal belt devise, at the top of the scabbard, is slightly bent out of original shape, probably an easy fix. The total production of the nine manufacturers of M-3 Fighting Knives in WW2 was 2,590,247 knives produced. IMPERIAL was the largest producer with 854,015 knives produced. The IMPERIAL Knife Company was located in Providence, Rhode Island. They were in business from 1916 until 2004. Price: $1,400.00 (ref. A5-5),