Field Knife Appraisal

Vintage Field Knife with Leather Sheath

This item appears to be a vintage field knife, likely from the mid-20th century, accompanied by its original leather sheath. The knife features a stacked leather washer handle, typical of many combat or utility knives from that era, such as those used by military personnel. The handle shows significant wear, with darkening and scuffing consistent with age and extensive use. The blade is a fixed blade design, seemingly made of carbon steel, exhibiting a dark patina, scratches, and some surface corrosion, indicating lack of recent maintenance or prolonged exposure to elements. It has a slightly recurved profile with a noticeable clip point or spear point at the tip, and a fuller (blood groove) runs along the center of the blade, enhancing its rigidity. A simple metal crossguard separates the blade from the handle, showing similar signs of age and wear as the blade. The leather sheath is a separate, distinct component crafted from thick, reddish-brown leather, hand-stitched along the edges with what appears to be yellow or off-white thread. It features a belt loop at the top, secured by a metal snap, and a retention strap that would typically secure the handle. The most prominent condition issue on the sheath is a significant area of damage or charring near the mouth, which appears to be either burnt or heavily abraded, exhibiting a dark, almost black, rough texture. Several metal rivets are present along the perimeter of the sheath and near the tip, likely for structural reinforcement. The sheath itself shows overall wear, scuffs, and discoloration, but the stitching appears largely intact despite the damage. The combined condition suggests heavy use and some form of accidental damage to the sheath.