Overview
This USMC Medical Corpsman knife with U.S.M.C. marked on the blade and and on the leather scabbard. The type used by the Marine Corps in the South Pacific, and like all "Bolo" type knives, were intended as utility tools for clearing brush and light construction. With this knife wood and bamboo could be fashioned into stakes, splints, etc. Though not originally intended as a fighting knife, the close tactics of the Japanese fighting caused these knives to be heavily relied upon by USMC soldiers and were used in many battles according to the marines that survived.
The blade on this example is in good condition for its age, and is properly marked USMC on the blade. The blade has some oxidation and pitting. The edge has been resharpened. The wooden handle scales with rivets intact, has some dings and nicks in the wood.
The scabbard is the standard heavy leather construction with a brass throat. The back is marked on the belt hanger with U S M C / BOYT / 42, indicating 1943 manufacture by Boyt Harness Co of Des Moines Iowa, a major leather goods supplier during WWII. They made various slings, holsters, scabbards, and other items for the war.