WWII Legitmus No. 18 Collins Legitimus Marine Raider Gung Ho Bowie Knife-The Collins No. 18 is a smaller machete or survival knife included in U.S. Army Air Corps jungle survival kits as early as the 1930s. Its historical significance stems from its use by the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, the first U.S. special operations unit, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson. Carlson's executive officer, Major James Roosevelt (son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt), was instrumental in procuring 1,000 of these knives for the battalion in early 1942. The battalion adopted the Chinese term "Gung Ho" (meaning "work together") as their motto, and the nickname quickly applied to the knife itself. This is an early Marine Raider version since it features a two-piece green horn or green composite grips secured by five brass rivets. This has a brass cross guard has dual ball quillons. The steel blade measures 9 ½ inches (24.13 cm) and a total of 15 inches (38.1cm) in the scabbard. There are two fullers near the top edge of the blade. The ricasso is nicely stamped with the "Collins & Co." the arm with hammer logo, "Legitimus," "MADE IN U.S.A.," and "No. 18". The brown leather scabbard is beautiful and embellished with a design around the edge. It is also nicely marked for Collins & Co. It is also named to a W. CRIST written or stamped on the side in black ink. Another cool knife to offer you.
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