1454 US WWII V-44 SURVIVAL KNIFE BY COLLINS.

SOLD
1,000.00USD
This item SOLD at 2024 Oct 31 @ 16:04UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 200.00 USD
Estimated at 400.00 - 700.00 USD
A very fine example of a V-44 survival knife with an overall length of 15" and a blade length of 9 7/16". The blade has two rudimentary narrow fullers on each side and is marked near the hilt "COLLINS & CO (logo) LEGITIMUS MADE IN U.S.A. No. 18". Brass crossguard with 2-piece composite grip held on by five brass rivets. Original leather sheath with tooled decoration that reads "COLLINS & CO (logo) LEGITIMUS". The sheath is also stamped with the number "13". The V-44 was the first survival knife and was developed in the early 1930s for use by aviation personnel in Hawaii and Panama. This style of knife was part of the jungle bailout kit that was attached to the parachute harness. Collins & Co. was the first manufacturer of the V-44. CONDITION: the knife shows surprisingly light wear. Sheath remains strong with only some slight bending at the tip. (02-22699/BF). $400-700.