US MODEL 1880 HUNTING KNIFE
WITH THE VERY SCARCE SHORT LEATHER LOOP SCABBARD:
Encountered with considerably less frequency than the
earlier Varney Scabbards, these short loop scabbards for
the M1880 Hunting Knife were ordered to be manufactured
at Watervliet Arsenal in 1883 by Gen. Benet, Chief of
Ordnance. The short loop scabbards, intended to be worn
on the leather waist belts under the woven cartridge
belts, were manufactured with a 2 ½” belt loop and such
is the case with this specimen. These short loop
scabbards remained in service only a short time, first
being replaced with scabbard with a longer belt loop in
1888, and by the familiar brass belt hook which by
mid-1888 was being manufactured on an experimental basis
and which would ultimately replace the leather belt loop
altogether. The final adoption of the brass hook
attachment resulted in many of these leather loop
scabbards being modified to accept the brass hook by
removing the leather loop. Hence, not many of these
early scabbards have survived this modification or the
passage of time.
This specimen has survived
in very presentable condition and both knife and
scabbard are very attractive. The knife features a
light oak grip with no splits and only a minor spot of
wear at one point on the edge of the pommel. The blade
is full form, showing no signs of sharpening and no
nicks or dings in the edge. The blade is overall bright
with a few scattered dark spots of surface age coloring
with no pitting. The brass hilt has a nice even patina
and a clear legible “US SPRINGFIELD” and serial number
“3082”. The scabbard is solid with all seams intact and
no flexing or weakness in the belt loop. The leather
surface of the belt loop and front of the scabbard is
smooth and bright, and the reverse of the body of the
scabbard shows only minor crazing. The reverse of the
belt loop is stamped with the numeral “2”, possibly an
inspector’s or piece worker’s stamp.
These leather loop scabbards present an important link
in the evolution of the M1880 Hunting Knife and this
specimen will be a significant addition to your
collection of US Army Indian Wars era edged weapons.
SOLD
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