1 rare variation U.S. World War II Shipley knife available.  The more known version of the Shipley knife has a brass knuckle guard, thick brass handle spacers, and a lead pommel.  That version is pictured on the back cover of Mike Silvey's Knives of the United States Military--World War II.

This discovery of a rare Shipley knife variation would make an important addition to any collection.

Note the features common in each knife.  The knife offered here is an early version--as the Shipley design was perfected.  This knife has a stacked leather handle with thick brass spacers.  In the later knuckle knife version, these brass spacers come out to join with a brass knuckle guard.  The pommel is lead--just like on the knuckle knife.  The blade too is double-edged.  Later, on the knuckle knife, the blade's center ridge line was rounded and smoothed.

This knife measures 13 3/8" overall.  The blade itself measures 9 5/16".  The knife handle is coated in varnish--for use in carry in the Pacific.

The scabbard is of high quality, and has a wire hanger.  The scabbard has no Shipley markings.  This knife, though, is unmistakeably a Shipley. 

This antique U.S. World War II Shipley fighting knife is in excellent condition.