Rare WW2 Vince Forge US Navy Dive Knife

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Diving Into History Auction

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Dec 4, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-12-04 11:00:00 2021-12-04 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Diving Into History Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/diving-into-history-auction-7859
Nation's Attic Inc invites you to explore our Diving Into History auction for winter 2021. As always, all items are authentic, including the antique diving helmets. All diving helmet come with a detailed COA. Bid with confidence, this is our 16th year in business! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com

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• Lot Description

  The famous US Navy Standard Diving Knife has always had the same appearance and configuration through the 20th Century. For unknown reasons during the 1930s and into World War 2, the Vince Forge Company in Easton, PA, did not quite follow the standards set forth by the Navy. The knives they produced for the US Government are immediately noticeable as something different and unique.
  
  There are three aspects of Vince knives that set them apart. The most noticeable is the swivel ring at the end of the handle. This ring, while quite useful, was not in the design requirements. No other manufacturer added this feature to their knives. Second, Vince made the tooth configuration different, with 13 teeth per inch rather than the standard 12. Lastly, Vince put their name on the blade. At the start of WWII, the government was issuing contracts for everything, including knives. Based on surviving examples, Vince did not receive any large contracts for the US Navy Standard Dive Knife production. The small quantity produced is possibly due to their non-conformity of the standard design. Regardless, today in the 21st Century, among collectors of vintage diving gear, the Vince knife is considered by many to be the holy grail
  
  This example has a very nice original appearance of a knife that was used but not abused. The solid brass sheath is in very good condition with a lovely patina. The knife itself also has a nice patina with signs of use. The unique swiveling loop at the end is present. The loop is slightly bent and appears to have been repaired long ago. The wood handle is dark in appearance showing classic signs of use. The handle is a little loose from age. The blade features areas of surface rust, most notably on the end. The Vince name is still present on the blade. A good example of a rare WWII Navy divers knife.
  
  All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.

• Shipping Info

  • Shipping: Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via USPS International or FedEx.

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