WW2 AUSTRALIAN FIGHTING KNIFE BY EAST BROTHERS-US FORCES ISSUE
This is a WW2 issued fighting knife that was manufactured by East Bros in Sydney, Australia for the US and Australian military. It is known as an Australian Commando Knife and is quite difficult to find these days. The knife was designed by Australian Whittingslowe Engineering during the war and was produced by several manufacturers including East Bros until 1945. This exact type of knife is illustrated on pages 55-56 of the book "Knives of the United States Military World War II" by Michael W Silvey. Michael is a well-established expert and author of many books on the subject of US military edged weapons.
The knife has a clean blade maker marked to East Brothers Sydney. The wood hand grips are in good condition. The cross guard is stamped US showing its issue to US forces that were stationed in Australia and fought in New Guinea and the pacific Island campaigns of WW2, the cross guard is also date stamped 1944. The original scabbard is maker marked and date stamped 1943 and is also broad arrow stamped. The leather press stud loop is broken but can be repaired.
These knives are highly collectable and much sought after.