I bought the knife about 3 years ago in a small shop in Dayton Ohio. The knife sheath is marked on both sides to include the soldiers last name (Mittendorf), serial number, "KISKA ISLAND" and "15 AUG 43". It's a pretty cool knife! I researched the fellow and got quite a bit of information about him that validates his time in the service. Anyway, here's some pictures of the knife:
Kim

That is pretty damn cool

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Thanks qBAn. This is not a "pretty" knife as in almost like new condition which is probably why someone else didn't pick it up prior to me seeing it. I like the "used" stuff much better, especially if it is ID'd to the original owner.
Kim

I WISH THAT YOU HAD POSTED SOME DETAILED PICS OF THE KNIFE ITSELF, OUT OF ITS SHEATH......

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M3 trench knife with M6 sheath, nice score...

Again just WOW

Here some more photos of the MOOSE sheath marking as well as the IMPERIAL knife.
Kim

That is a very nice piece of history! Good score.

I like the blade design and the grip, pommel and hand guard on the Mark 3. Seems to ooze "fighting knife cool." I like being on a quest for good old knives. Thanks for sharing yours.

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You may like Robert Terzuola's Gryphon M-30A1, which the designer told me he derived from the M-3 after conferring with CIA operators in Central America, who like the old M-3. The Gryphon has modern ATS-34 blade and a tough, checkered Zytel handle. You can Search for photos. I think the Cutlery Shoppe still has these. They were made by an outstanding factory in Seki City, Japan for the Shoppe and Terzuola approved the design, very close to his custom originals.


The only negative aspect is that the retaining strap on the sheath for mine is too short to close/snap. But it can be replaced or the knife is well worth buying a custom sheath for. Both dull gray and bright blades have been made in this model. I think it's an excellent combat knife, with pretty good field knife qualities. But a Fallkniven A -1 is a better all-purpose heavy survival knife, I think. The difference is somewhat like comparing a M-3 to a USMC Ka-Bar.

That is a great find!
And the original owner info is icing on the cake!
Yes, I'm a little jealous.

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I love antique knive's,great fine kfields!

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Did they come with that bend on the hilt, and the metal patch on the sheath?

Yes Steve, M3's came with bent hilt on the topside of the blade. M6 leather scabbards are far from common. Most had the green-gray plastic scabbards.

To the OP, Do you know what outfit the soldier was in when he served on Kiska?

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Unfortunately I do not know the unit he served with as an enlisted man. I received his records from St Louis but it only had a "Master Index Card" showing his name, DOB, enlistment date of 10-8-41, address and serial number. Then it jumps to 1945 showing that he became an officer in 1945 and got out in 1946. I suspect his records as an enlisted man must have been burned in the fire in the 70's or somehow lost:-(
He was born in Ohio which is where I am living.
Kim

I was just wondering if the metal patches were a local adaptation. Leather sheathes always seemed to bend from wear, and the blade would end up popping thru--that riveted patch is a lot better than 100 MPH tape!

Steve the metal tabs at the bottom of the sheath were factory and put there for the reason you mentioned.

THANKS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES, k.........fields. THAT BEAUTY WAS MADE BY THE IMPERIAL KNIFE CO. IN MY HOMETOWN OF PROVIDENCE, RI

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Your welcome.
Mr Mittendorf died in California in 1986 I believe (going from memory now). I've looked for an obituary but so far no luck. I suspect he was a member of the 7th Infantry Division rather than one of the other elite units that participated in this area of operation. One of these days I hope to find out. Kim

The bend in the hilt is so that in the dark you can tell that you are holding the the cutting edge down. Or cutting edge up depending on which knife fighting style you were taught. But the bend lets you know where the cutting edge is located.

Thanks walnutred....I never knew that. Kim