Help with dating two KaBars

[HKGuns]

i found these two Kabars on the shelf of my deceased, WW2 Navy Veteran father in laws garage. They’ve been wasting away on a shelf, so I rescued them and provided some TLC and an edge.

Does anyone know how to date these? There are no US markings on them that I can find.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Knife 1

Knife 2

 

[zzyzzogeton]

What you have there are 2 WW2 era 1219C2/USN-MK2 knives. Probably out of the 2nd batch Kabar made. The first batch had red spacers in the handle. The second batch was made with the thick (3/8") pommel with a round peened tang, easily visible of both knives. I believe the 3rd batch has USMC or USN MK2 on the pile side ricasso.

The first batch was sent out in April of 1943. The second batch went out in either June or July 1943. Don't remember right off the top of my head.

 

[HKGuns]

Thank-you very much for the assistance! I thought, based on his service, they may be WW2 era, but expected to see the US markings.

Again, thank-you, I am glad I was able to rescue a bit of history and preserve them before they got too bad.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

The WW2 1219C2s/USN-MK2s had USN MK2 or USMC on them after the 2nd change order.

Camillus's first batch (with the split nut screw pommel) had U.S.N. on the pile side ricasso. Kabar's first batch (red spacer, round peened tang) were marked USMC on the pile side. Kabar's second batch were naked on the pile side.

The ones marked with US over the company name were the knives made from 1961 on by Connetta, Camillus, Utica, MSI and Ontario.

 

[eveled]

Nice knives. Glad they ended up in good hands. Love those old stapled sheaths.

 

[GeofS]

Nice blades you got there. Your family’s historical connection make them priceless. Great find and rescue!