Scaled Down Mark 2

[Paladin]

I don't have too many military items in my collection. Some lowlife stole the USN KA-BAR that my Dad brought home from the Pacific at the end of WWII. What I did end up with was a smaller version that KaBar made some time towards the end of the war, I think. Levine's 4th has it at the top of page 449. Levine says that KA-BAR made 500,000 of these, with an OAL of 10 1/2 inches and a blade length of 6 inches. I don't know if they were ever issued to combat troops or not. It is like a small, or as Levine puts it, a scaled down Mark 2.
I found this one in an uncle's storeroom after his death as I helped my aunt clean up some 'stuff'. I had no idea as to the maker as there is no stamp on the ricasso. I let it lay around in my garage for 15 to 20 years and finally had the presence of mind to look at the guard. I found it stamped KA-BAR Olean, NY. I had always felt like it was a quality knife and had always wondered why it wasn't marked. Sure enough, it was marked and I was just too inexperienced to find it.
I will keep this one for the duration!

[Tip]

Ray,
Nice knife and nice story (the second part! -not the first). It looks like your "scaled-down Mark 2" knife saw little use. Thanks for sharing the pic and telling of how you got it. It's always good when there's a family connection.
Regards