Lot 73:
Extremely Rare WWII Vince Non-Magnetic US Navy Diving Knife Marked Brass Sheath
Description
The U.S. Navy standard diving knife is one of the most recognizable pieces of American diving equipment. During the 1930s and World War II, the Vince Forge Company of Easton, Pennsylvania, manufactured a distinctive variation for the U.S. government. Already considered among the rarest American diving knives of the period, Vince knives are especially desirable for their unique design features. This exceptional example is an even greater rarity: a non-magnetic version with the Vince manufacturer’s mark on the brass sheath!
Unlike standard diving knives, this specialized non-magnetic model was intended for underwater explosive ordnance work, where conventional ferrous metals could potentially trigger magnetically activated mines. Such knives were produced in considerably smaller quantities due to their specialized purpose and higher manufacturing costs.
Vince knives are distinguished by several unusual features, most notably the swiveling brass ring at the end of the handle, a practical design not found on standard U.S. Navy knives from other manufacturers. Vince also used a distinctive sawtooth blade configuration featuring 13 teeth per inch, compared to the standard 12. Although the reasons for these variations remain unknown, surviving examples suggest relatively limited wartime production. Today, original Vince knives with intact swivel rings are among the most difficult World War II American diving knives to acquire.
What makes this particular example extraordinary is its non-magnetic blade and unusually marked sheath. The blade exhibits a distinctive dark bronze appearance, consistent with the specialized nonferrous beryllium alloy used in its construction. Equally remarkable is the original brass sheath, which bears the VINCE EASTON, PA USA manufacturer’s mark. While Vince commonly placed its name on standard stainless steel blades, finding the mark on the sheath is something we have never encountered before!
Condition is equally impressive. This completely original, unaltered knife is among the finest Vince examples we have handled. The varnished maple handle remains in excellent condition, showing only a tiny age-related hairline crack. The original brass swivel ring rotates freely, while the sheath displays a beautiful, even patina. The blade retains its dark, naturally aged surface, which could be polished if desired.
Standard Vince diving knives are rare enough, but this specialized non-magnetic example, complete with its unusually marked sheath, is truly exceptional! An outstanding opportunity for the advanced collector of U.S. Navy diving equipment, World War II militaria, or historic underwater ordnance equipment.
Please review all photographs for additional details and overall condition. 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.
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. For a fast, accurate shipping quote before the auction starts, just email us your postal code and we’ll get you a quote.
Share this lot:
