RARE!! MARINE RAIDER BOWIE / “GUNG HO” KNIFE / WW2

From the website “combat relics”
U.S. Marine Raider “GUNG-HO” Knife
Original WWII U.S. Marine Raider “Gung-Ho” knife. One of approximately 1000 knives manufactured in the summer of 1943 in New Zealand under the auspice of Evans C. Carlson (Son of Evans F. Carlson, Commander of Carlson’s Raiders) the for the 1st Bn., 21st Marines. The knife is constructed from Australian carbon steel with a cast aluminum alloy handle that was painted green. Some of the original green paint still remains on the handle, but it often quickly wore off. The knife is complete with an original leather scabbard, and tied into the leg tong is an original piece of Pacific beach coral, a popular memento Marines adorned their personal equipment and souvenirs with. The overall condition of the set is carried and genuinely used, but complete without any damage and a nice blade. Full of original patina that has never been cleaned. Another example of this knife is on display in the American Military Edged Weaponry Museum. For more information on Gung-Ho knives, you can consult pages 210-213 of Grunt Gear by Alec S. Tulkoff, the essential reference book for USMC collectors. Scarce opportunity to own one of the rarest USMC fighting knives, and a centrepiece for any USMC collection.
* made by Goddard in New Zealand, which is present day Victory knives.
Blade length 9 3/16”
Blade width 2 5/16”
Handle length 5 1/8”
Guard width 4 5/8”
Grind about 7/8”
Blade thickness 3/16”