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RARE & DESIRABLE UDT / SEAL IMPERIAL NONMAGNETIC

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
RARE & DESIRABLE UDT / SEAL IMPERIAL NONMAGNETIC
UNDERWATER KNIFE MADE FOR U.S. NAVY. These unique knives were contracted for the United States Navy for use by the elite UDT & SEAL Teams in 1962. There were a total of only 1,156 manufactured by Imperial Knife Company. All the metal parts are nonmagnetic, manufactured in a stain resistant non-ferrous alloy. The partially serrated blade was made from a Special Haynes Alloy #25, and parkerized in a gray finish. The sheath & handle were constructed of a gray, glass fiber material. The blade is 7.5" in length and the OAL is 12". The back of the blade is cut w/ aggressive saw teeth, 9 teeth per inch. The pommel has a .25" diameter lanyard hole. The sheath attaches to web gear w/ 2 gray straps & snaps, on a 4.25" folded gray canvas strap. The guard of the knife is marked; "U.S. / NONMAGNETIC / SERAIL NO 633/61 / IMPERIAL". The sheath is marked; "U.S. NONMAGNETIC / IMPERIAL". The handle has a hand engraved "2-78" below an unreadable marking, possibly initials. CONDITION" Original blade finish has thinned to its natural coloring. Saw teeth stil remain very sharp. Blade retains a sharp edge w/ a few small dings in the tip. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (02-18664/JZ). $400-600.