7/9/19 - This is an original, early variation US M3 Imperial fighting knife. The knife is blade dated 1943 which is earliest variation for WW2. The blade has some discoloration and signs of use with pitting near the tip area of the blade. There's rust on the base / underside of the handguard. The handle has black spacers (another early desirable feature). There's light wear throughout the handle. The pommel is flaming bomb stamped and has some light rust. The leather scabbard is worn but completely in tact with a GI's name on the frog. The front is maker stamped by Viner Bros and 1943 dated.