April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
This is a rare and desirable example of a WWII V-42 stiletto that was produced by the Case Cutlery Company for the United States Navy, particularly for the USS Omaha. In February 1943, the US Navy received 70 Case V-42 stilettos and they were all issued to the members of the landing force on the USS Omaha. These knives were issued with USMC type 3 leather scabbards were stamped with a set of identifying numbers and "USS Omaha". The USS Omaha markings were later defaced in order to prevent the identification of the members of the landing force and the ship in case any members of the landing force were captured. The knife itself features a double edged blade with a long ricasso that accommodates serrated thumbprint finger rest. The ricasso is correctly marked "CASE" below the thumb rest. The handle features a 1-piece grooved leather handle with a pointed "skull crusher" pommel. The stiletto is complete with its original type 3 leather scabbard that features a metal reinforcing plate on each side. The USS Omaha stamp is correctly defaced and the only legible marking on the scabbard is "2-37" which is below the defaced marking. CONDITION: The blade retains almost all of its original blued finish and exhibits areas of freckling and scattered blemishes. The leather grip exhibits handling wear. The scabbard exhibits scattered blemishes including scattered scratches with creasing and cracking around the belt loop. Retaining snap has come apart on one side. Tight stitching with patina on rivets. A nice example of a scarce WWII fighting knife. (B) WWII US Navy Mark I fighting knife by Geneva Forge Inc, with faint markings on ricasso. Complete with USN MK 1 marked blue scabbard. Pommel appears to have been marked "USMC" with marking slightly obscured. CONDITON: Patina on blade, handling wear to grip. Scabbard exhibits a salty patina.
Blade Length
(A) 5" (B) 7"
Overall Length
(A) 9 - 5/8" (B) 12 - 1/4"