Original Item: Only One Available. Western was known to have made some of the finest fighting knives of WW2. Although they never had any major government contracts they sold thousands of knives through private and unit purchases.

One of the best was this example here, the L77. There is speculation that this knife was designed as an improvement to what is now known as the L76 in order to secure a contract with the Marine Corps. The L76 was the same style knife but had a double edged blade and a hole in the pommel. In the early days of the Marine Raiders, many L77s were purchased and carried by the Marines while training stateside. In the end, the Raiders ended up being more fond of the Camillus made stilettos and went with them.

This L77 features a lovely stacked leather washer grip with red and black spacers at the top and bottom. The grip is in lovely condition with minor wear and no major nicks or dents. The pommel is aluminum and secured by two steel pins going through the tang. The blade itself shows signs that this knife could very well have been used in a combat theater due to much of the original blueing and repeatedly sharpened edge. The steel crossguard is still tight to the blade and free of any bends or damage. The blade has the correct maker and patent marking on the blade ricasso:

WESTERN
BOULDER, COLO.
PAT NO 1,967,478

The leather scabbard is in lovely condition, double stitched all around with a total of 9 rivets securing both sides. The only discrepancy of the scabbard is the female end of the retaining strap is missing.

This is truly a wonderful knife and is in great condition for being almost 80 years old! Comes ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade Length: 6 ¾”
Grip Length: 4 ¼”
Total Length: 11”
Scabbard Length: 11 ½”