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M-1904
Hospital Corps Knife |
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| The M-1904 Hospital Corps Knife was the first of the modern Springfield Armory made edged weapons to carry a serial number. Designed for use by the U. S. Army Medical Corps, over 40,000 Hospital Corps Knives were made at the Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA between 1904 and 1914, however, none have been found with the 1906 date. According to archive correspondence, the first 236 knives were issued without serial numbers, but at the request of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, the Springfield Armory began the serial numbering process with number 237 and continuing upward. Previously issued knives were recalled for numbering, but a very small number of knives without serial numbers have survived. The lowest known serial number is 264. Contrary to many stories, the knife was not designed for "field expedient amputations", but the look in the novice's eyes often make the tale worth the telling. | |||
M-1904 Basic Data |
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| Blade Length: 12.0 inches | Overall Length: 17.25 inches | ||
| Blade Width: 2.25 inches | Blade Thickness: 0.375 inches | ||
| Scabbards: Leather with a belt loop or with a Krag-style belt hanger. Several variations of metal throats are known. | |||
Reference Photos |
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1904
dated knife |
M-1904
with scabord |
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US close up with out serial number |
1904 date close up, no SA |
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M-1903 dataed 1913 with SA |
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