PAL USMC Fixed Blade. Was my dad's. Any info?

[jemjr]

This knife belonged to my father, I am assuming it is a military knife. Tang reads PAL on one side and U.S.M.C. on the other. 7" blade; 12" OAL. Leather sheath is marke U.S.N. and Boyt/43. Thanks for any info.

Jack

[Mossdancer]

Jack:
From all appearances it looks to be a WWII Mark 2 Fighting knife. The picture does it no justice. Some closeups of all markings along with a profile with a ruler alongside. It should have a 7" blade. An end photo showing the attachment of pommel to tang would reveal an early or later model. The leather sheath is interesting also. Photos of front showing rivets and markings would be a boon. The back with Hoyt and date showing are necessary for full ID, If it were mint(it is not) it and knife to a willing buyer might go for upwards of $350 if full markings were found to be present. Do you have a photo of your Dad in uniform the knife in view?
Your description is nice but more is needed to give an opinion on your knife. Had it belonged to my father it would never leave my family.
moss
Edit: Will probably have RH 37 stamped under the Pal Mark. Representative of the Remington Hunting pattern 37 nomenclature.

[jemjr]

Thank you Mossdancer for replying. I have no plans to get rid of the knife. In fact, this knife has brought me into knife collecting. My father passed several years ago and left this and another similar and marked RH 36.

However, this knife is only marked PAL on one side of the tang and U.S.M.C. on the other side of the tang. No RH 36 or RH 37 on the knife. I would call the knife in very good to excellent condition. It looks parkarized finish and does not appear to have been sharpened. My father was in the Navy at the end of WWII, about 1945 at Pearl Harbor. He was also in the reserves in the early 1950's.

Thanks
Jack

[Owd Wullie]

That's a nice one.

Here's one that went through WWII in the Pacific with a USN Seabee.






It's "family" too.

[Mossdancer]

Jack; I think there is no doubt your knife is a late war model Mark 2. The sheath is even more of interest to me as they are becoming harder to get. I am attaching some info on the Pal Knife from a Mil. Book. Already having the RH36 which is a six inch utility knife and the RH 37 even though unmarked seems to call for obtaining an RH 35 which is the Mark 1 with a 5 inch blade. Should during this downturn in the economy be able to pick one up on an auction for well under a $100
depending on condition maybe under $50.

Owd:
A nice example, great photos, just what is needed for reading the piece. Note the difference in the two sheaths with the staples in Jack's and rivets in yours. Just a difference in manufacturers,
both are valid items.
moss

[Mossdancer]

Jack and Owd Wullie:
Should either of you be interested and don't already have these books. They contain a lot of info and are reasonably priced. You can find in Knife World books section both are around $30 combined.
moss

[jemjr]

Thank's Mossdancer for the follow-up. I appreciate the information. Now all I have to do is search Ebay for the RH 35. I am having fun getting into these knives. My real interest seems to be the folding knives. My grandfather was born in Tidioute, and was a cutlerer most of his life. He worked for Schatt-Morgan, PAL and I believe Union during his lifetime.

Thanks
Jack

[Mossdancer]

Jack:
Sounds to me as though you need to make yourself acquainted with Pa Knives. Mr. Anthony would surely like to speak with you regarding Tidioute knives and your Grandpa's time as a cutler.
Pa Knives is a long time member on this site and should not be hard to find. He makes postings frequently and his book is also advertised here.
moss

[268bull]

Owd Wullie, just read your post and picture with your relatives Pal RH 37. Nice blade! Do you happen to know which battalion your relations served with. I was a 'Bee. I was in the 3rd Mobile Con. Battalion, Alpha Co., we were issued Ka-Bar's. Served in-country "70-71". In fact , one of those Ka-Bar's sliced open and broke one of my fingers , but that's another story. This is Christmas day so I'd better get back to the festivities. Hoping your Christmas day went well.

[orvet]

Nice knives guys!
Knives with a family history are especially precious.
They are something you can hold in your hand and remember that person by.
These knives are my favorite.

Dale

[JoeDan]

I have quite a few PAL knives but none in as great shape as this one. Great post. Thanks for sharing.