We thought it would be fun to share some old photos of edged cutlery that we have gathered over the years. Below are three that we will post to start things rolling. If you have any which you would like to see posted, just e-mail them to us.
We would love to see them.
Click on the thumbnails for the full size picture
Bayonet training on Parris Island, S.C., June 1942. Notice the M1905 bayonet on the left is Parkerized while the M1905 on the right is bright bladed. The recruits are wearing the pith type sun helmets. The trainee in the center background has the M1917 bayonet scabbard mounted on his rifle belt under his ammo pouch?
Credit: Official USMC Photo
The caption on the back of this one reads: " Coast Guardsman J. Clinton Bolton, of 514 East 78th St, New York City, a Combat Correspondent who came to Okinawa Island aboard a Coast Guard manned LST is shown here interviewing Lt. Cmdr. C. H. Frazier, USNR, who is the senior officer of the military government unit established on this former Jap stronghold."
Note Mr. Bolton is wearing what appears to be an M3 knife in a Mark 2 type leather scabbard, while Cmdr. Frazier is wearing a Mark 1 that appears to be a Robeson made items from the pommel configuration. No date is given.
Credit: Official Coast Guard Photo
One of our favorite bayonet photos. This one depicts perhaps the countries most distinguished individual combat instructor, Col. Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle giving a bayonet class at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot, S.C. in August 1942. Col. Biddle was recalled to active duty during World War Two when he was 68 years old and served for the duration.
Credit: Official USMC Photo