All About Pocket Knives

Hello all,

I'm wondering if you can help me further identify a knife I received from my father-in-law (see image). I know from other articles that it was probably manufactured between 1936-1952 due to the marking on the main knife (IMPERIAL PROV. R.I.). I'm confused about the USMC tag on the front. I see that Kingston and Imperial joined forces at some point and made knives for the USMC, but thought those would be under the Kingston name, not Imperial. Anything you can tell me about the knife would be much appreciated. My Father in law (late 70's) was given this knife by his father, so I'd like to give him some information about it. Thanks in advance!

Steeltown

Nice old knife, if you can , provide us with close up photo's of any markings and both sides of the knife. someone will be along to help you ID it or give you more info. Thanks for posting it, Terry

WWII era USMC military issued knife , fairly rare knife .
Awesome heirloom .

Good knife made even better with the USMC shield!

Thanks Terry! Here's a few additional pics, as close as I can get them. Also curious as to the best way to clean this knife up? As you can tell, it needs some work.

Welcome to AAPK. Nice old knife! Be careful not to over-clean it, which could detract from its value and remove "character" received from its prior owner. Here's a link to some information about cleaning knives. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54157

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote:Welcome to AAPK. Nice old knife! Be careful not to over-clean it, which could detract from its value and remove "character" received from its prior owner. Here's a link to some information about cleaning knives. viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54157

Ken

Very good advise, not to over clean, to me , old knives should look "old". just oil the joints and wipe it off and enjoy! Terry

I have seen a lot of USMC items over the years. Often it stands for "United Shoe Machine Company". Actually more often than Marine corps stuff. They had a lot of promotional products. Some higher end. Not saying the op knife is one, but the shield does not look really military. Usually a military item would just have a simple U.S. stamp.
Bruce

Check out this old thread
viewtopic.php?t=19818

I have a knife like this - somewhere. I'll try to dig it out and post a good picture. As I recall my knife has a blade with a long pull. The picture in the book has a blade with a standard pull, so there must be varieties? Also one I found on google with a long pull.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... ial-pocket

Scoutknives,

Thanks for the reply and especially for the pic from the book. That's definitely it! My Father in Law will be thrilled to know!
Thanks again, Steeltown

One more question folks: Can someone explain the intended function of each of the four blades (excuse my ignorance). Obviously there is a main blade, and a bottle opener/screw driver, what is the intended purpose of the others?

Thank you

Steeltown,
The other two blades on your knife are a can opener and an awl/punch (poking holes in leather, belts, harness leather, maybe heavy canvass, such materials.
Treefarmer