Rare Navy divers knife made by "MFD. BY BATTERYLESS TEL. EQUIP. CO. INC. / PITTSBURGH, PA." 6-15/16" sturdy, double edged blade with saw teeth on top. Screw-in solid brass sheath inscribed "SQUALUS SALVAGE UNIT/ MAY 23, 1939 /TO / F. H. O'KEEFE, COX..USN / DIVER FIRST CLASS". The rescue of the USS Squalus in 250 feet of water was an unprecedented Navy rescue that would result in four Congressional Medals of Honor, 46 Navy Crosses and a Distinguished Service Medal. Since 1921, almost 1,000 men had died in submarine accidents; no rescue attempt had ever succeeded until this operation. The provenance on line should be read of the heroic action involving this ship. SIZE: PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Fine overall. Appears unused. Brass sheath retaining much of its orig burnished bright finish with freckling. 53094-161 JS (1,500-2,500)