WWII US M3 UTICA Fighting Combat Dagger Military Trench Knife with Flaming Bomb

  

M3 Fighting Knife & M8A1 Scabbard Combat Rig. ### Rare Transitional Dual-Marked Utica Variation.

Up for sale is an exceptional, 100% authentic World War II combat rig featuring a highly collectible "transitional" M3 fighting knife paired with a matching, period-correct M8A1 scabbard. This set displays beautiful, organic "honest wear" and has been left in completely untouched, as-found condition. ### Technical Specifications & Markings. The Knife: Manufactured by the renowned Utica Cutlery Company between late 1943 and early 1944. This is the rare dual-marked variation featuring clear factory stamps on both the blade profile and the side of the crossguard. The Pommel: Features the official U. Ordnance "flaming bomb" proof mark and is securely double-pinned. It features no date stamp, which is historically correct for this production window. The Scabbard: Authentic wartime U. M8A1 scabbard manufactured by Beckwith Manufacturing Co.

The fiberglass body features the raised, intertwined "VP" (Victory Plastics) logo and factory mold tracker number 48 on the rear. Includes the original canvas webbing hanger and top-mounted M1910 pronged wire belt hook. Retains its original factory profile with minor sharpening scuffs along the edge. There is a small, minor chip at the base of the blade near the crossguard (clearly highlighted in the listing video).

No severe pitting, grinding, or modern structural alterations. Light, active surface rust/patina is present on the steel crossguard and pommel. Standard 8-groove stacked leather handle. All leather washers remain completely tight with zero wobble, shrinking, or play. The fiberglass body is structurally excellent with no cracks or chips. The canvas webbing is strong and free of dry rot, the handle retention strap button snaps securely, and the M1910 wire hook is fully intact. 100% Original & Untouched: No modern grinding, heavy cleaning, buffing, or chemical alterations have been performed.

The matching combat patina confirms these two pieces have spent their entire life together. Historical Context: This specific configuration-featuring the M8A1 scabbard with the wire hook-represents the iconic gear profile issued to paratroopers, replacements, and specialized units during the brutal later stages of the European Theater (including Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge). Secure Packaging: Will be packed securely in a sturdy box with heavy-duty padding to ensure the crossguard and blade do not pierce the packaging during transit.