1 U.S. First Special Service Forces World War II V-42 fighting knife.  This fine Case V42 has the desirable long sheath.  This knife would make an important addition to any collection.

As mentioned this knife is among the rarest of the V42's.  This knife is one of the first 500 Case V-42's made.  The first 500 knives were numbered on the reverse tang.  I have personal knowledge of knife number 437 (which I sold for a customer), number 105, number 239 which was illustrated in Cole's book, and this knife--number 254.  The reverse blade tang on this knife is marked 'U. S.   254'.  

The front tang is stamped 'CASE'.  This Case V-42 measures 12 5/16" overall.  The blade itself measures 7 1/8".  The FSSF soldier that carried this knife carved his initials in the back of the sheath.  The soldier did a field modification to the scabbard by adding a metal plate so the blade tip wouldn't go through the leather into his leg. 

This U.S. World War II FSSF V-42 fighting knife is in excellent condition.  The blade has 45% of its original bluing.  The leather below the guard was cut away by the soldier who carried this knife--look at the cut marks where he removed it.  The guard has just barely a little wiggle.  There are very occasional, very light spots of minor patina on the blade.  The original factory grind lines are still visible on the blade.  The scabbard is strong and solid with no problems.  


This listing represents the opportunity to add one of the most rare CASE V-42 fighting knives to your collection.