M1904 HOSPITAL CORP KNIFE

This M1904 Hospital knife always got a disbelieving look on peoples faces when I told them that it was used to cut off arms and legs. Like the M1909 Bolo knife it was used to clear the area for the medics to set up shop and it could be used to cut branches to make splints for a fractured arm or leg.This is a high quality over built knife that was common during that period. I will start with the grip, Three rivets hold the walnut grips to the tang. There is an end cap on the grip (which is often missing) The cross guard has a hole in one side to engage the vertical pin on the scabbard throat. The blade has a somewhat standard pattern to it and is 14" long with the widest part at 2 1/8". The blade is polished steel and has the S A stamp for denoting it was made at the Springfield Armory. Below that is the flaming bomb acceptance stamp and under that the date 1913. The obverse side has U S and under that the serial number 17237. The blade has been used and sharpened. The Scabbard again is constructed with three pieces of heavy leather riveted to the brass throat. The reverse of the scabbard has the following stamped in to it. Rock Island Arsenal 1915 inspected by TCC. There also is another inspectors stamp AFO by the throat. On closer inspection I forgot to mention the open rivet on the end of the scabbard and the letters A S lightly scratched on the obverse. Condition very good ++++