1 exceptional U.S. World War 2 theater fighting knife available.  This knife features the Gadsden Flag 'Don't Tread on Me' snake.  

This rare U.S. fighting knife would make an important addition to any collection.

As noted on the site Dictionary dotcom:

Don’t tread on me began on what’s known as the Gadsden flag, which features a rattlesnake coiled above the expression on a yellow background. The flag was first flown on a warship in 1775 as a battle cry for American independence from British rule. It’s credited to Christopher Gadsden, a soldier and politician from South Carolina.

The snake was an established symbol for America at the time. Benjamin Franklin notably used it, saying the rattlesnake never backed down when provoked, which captured “the temper and conduct of America.”

The tread in Gadsden’s defiant phrase, don’t tread on me, means “to step, walk, or trample so as to press, crush, or injure something.” And so, with its tongue flicked, fangs out, and body coiled in defense, the rattlesnake (and motto) warns: “If you dare put your foot down on me, I will strike.”

This rare combat knife has a 6 1/2" blade.  The blade is from a 1943 blade-dated Imperial M3 trench knife.  

The handle is made of theater materials--plexiglass from down or damaged aircraft windshields, micarta from instrument panels, and aluminum.  

Interestingly the sheath is from a Chindit fighting knife.  It is marked on the back with the initials of the U.S. soldier who carried it 'W.P.T.'.  

This knife is in excellent condition.  

A rare knife--there is no other like this.  An exceptional and historic WW2 knife with meaning behind its design.