Unknow Dive Knife Trench Knuckle Knife, Need Help!

[mak10theknife]

I came across an unusual Dive knife, it is marked "PIC #726" and "Japan Stainless Steel" the blade body is scrolled with "Sea Hunter." The unusually part is the handle is like the handle on a 1918 Mark I trench knife, but chromo. It seems to been made to fit together so I think it is factory but I could be wrong.

I think it is 1970s or 1980s at best but just wondering if anyone has seen a similar one or has any info to share on it?

I was unable to post an image (moving really slow) but will try again later.

Thanks for any help.
Ryan

[mak10theknife]

[Popeye]

I believe what you have is a copy of a U.S. trench knife known as the Mark I, which was designed late in World War 1 and was completed too late to see service in the trenches.

During World War II, the Mark I was issued in 1942 and 1943 to airborne troops, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders.[15][16][17] The Mark I featured a full-tang design with a double-edged blade and a heavy bronze hilt incorporating a guard ostensibly shaped as a knuckle duster, though the latter was intended to protect the fingers and prevent the knife from being knocked from the hand while in combat rather than for use as a weapon.[14] Reflecting the savagery of hand-to-hand trench warfare, the Mark I's pommel incorporated a so-called 'skull-crusher' cap extension, ostensibly designed to stun or kill an enemy soldier and to provide a secondary weapon in circumstances where the blade was damaged or broken. A special proprietary metal scabbard was issued with the Mark I, capable of accommodating the new knife and its oversized knuckleduster grip handle.

Enjoy