Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 119:
Description
While this piece bears the classic silhouette of a standard US Navy diver’s knife, closer inspection reveals it to be an exceptionally rare variant produced by the legendary John Date of Montreal. Mirroring the design of its American counterparts, this Canadian-made treasure features the iconic turned wood handle and heavy brass. The brass sheath is clearly stamped John Date Montreal, distinguishing it from more common domestic examples and marking it as a significant find for any specialist collector.The knife remains in remarkable condition, with the stainless steel blade and brass sheath displaying only superficial wear and a soft patina consistent with genuine service many years ago. Because John Date equipment was produced in far smaller quantities than standard US Navy contracts, examples of this specific style and origin appear on the market with extreme rarity. For the serious collector of diving knives or Canadian maritime history, this is a premier opportunity to acquire a elusive name that is often the missing link in a world-class collection.We want your items to arrive exactly as described, so we ship everything fully insured via FedEx or USPS Priority Mail with a signature required upon delivery. We’re happy to ship worldwide, but please keep in mind that international payments must be made via bank wire. It is also important to do your homework on local import laws, especially regarding knives; Nations Attic cannot be held responsible for shipping charges if customs denies delivery, and since we don’t offer refunds for customs issues, any rejected items will be consigned into a future sale. For a fast, accurate shipping quote before the auction starts, just email us your postal code and we’ll get you a quote.
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