During World War 2, the PAL Co. made bayonets, sheath knives, and pocketknives under government contract for US forces. These RH 36’s appear to have been issued to all branches of the military and were also available for private purchase. The early wartime production knives were finished bright with the 1944-45 production having a parkerized blade. The grip of these knives is made of stacked leather washers with a few different color combinations of plastic spacers at each end of grip known. Combinations include red & black and red, yellow and black.
This knife is an earlier one with non-parkerized blade and red and black spacers at ends of grip. The leather grip is tight. Cross-guard has a very little bit of play but is not loose. Blade has scattered areas of darkening which could easily be cleaned if desired. Blade marking is strong. Original scabbard is nice, just missing the closure snap.
