I found my dad's knife in a garage box afer he died. He served in the Phillipines and I just learned that he and his father bought it in Chicago after he got his draft notice (he was drafted two weeks out of high school). His name, Infantry and Comapny (126 Infantry, Company A)are written on the scabbard. Sargeant William M. Dwyer is buried in Joliet, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln National Memorial with his other high school buddies. Does anyone know a shop in Chicago that Randall shipped these to? My mother says it was a well known knife shop. How do I post a photo?

Beautiful piece. But it has a replacement sheath.

That is one awesome memento right there! Love it. I'd love to have a Randall from my grandfather's time in the Pacific. You are very lucky to have it.

Abercrombie and Fitch in Chicago was an authorized dealer of Randall Knives many years ago. Hope this knife served him well. Thanks for posting the picture.

Best,
jason

I wish that knife could talk.....did your dad ever tell you ant war stories?

Don't try to do anything to clean up the blade,(thinking you will increase the sale value). Apparently that is an extremely bad idea on the older WW-II type blades and their value.

Their value is by leaving them totally untouched.

Tom Vaught

It is known that Bo Randall shipped some knives to at least one Midwest retailer during war years without sheathes. The sheath pictured with your knife is exactly what you would expect to see paired with it if supplied by someone other than Bo. When the blade show is over this weekend one of the salty old pros may be able to tell you more. Until then, don't discount the sheath, or do anything to either piece, no matter how tempting! It looks like a great historical find!

Go to www.rmkcollector.com, There is an article about your sheath and what store sold them. Nice piece of family history

Nice article. "One that is clear though, is VL&A did in fact supply sheaths for the vast majority of Randall fighters sold through their store."

The sheath does look like the VL& A sheath in the article but with 3 extra rivits. Same retention system, same knife retainer loop and orientation, same basic footprint.

Congrats on your very valuable family treasure.

Tom Vaught

I believe you guys are right. I forgot all about Joes article on those sheaths and this one does look similar to the one in his article.

Bingo - I called my mother and asked if the store was Von Lengerke & Antoinne she said yes it was. She immediately recognized the name because her maiden name is von Elbe. I want to thank everyone who responded - incredibly emotional to know that my dad and my grandfather went to VL&A together to get this knife. The knife is in great shape albeit scratches from sharpening. Much of the blade shines like new - no corrosion etc. Dad carried a BAR and the 126th went on to Japan during the occupation. Like many guys, he contracted malaria. This was purchased at VL&A after May 15 and before July 30, 1944.

Never heard of that company so did a bit of searching:

http://www.vintagegunleather.com/company-marks/vonlengerke_history.html


Again, awesome find. My grandfather was also in the Phil. and then went on to Japan for the occupation. I researched all of his records for my Dad for Christmas.

It is simply an awesome knife! You are so lucky to have it and the sheath is in excellent shape. It doesn't look dry rotted at all.

Isn't it amazing how a knife, razor, helmet, kit, old "bluing's worn off .45", etc. immediately go from "wonder how much it's worth" to "hope we never get so hungry that I've got to sell this one"; 'cause it rode on Grandpa's hip through France in 1917 or was carried by Dad all over Europe for 4 years in the 1940s, or Uncle Gardner and/or Uncle Ceif in Italy and Africa same period. These are the ones you wish could talk 'cause you know you only heard a little and 'ain't no price high enough...........just add another shelf over the mantel....and be thankful.

I forgot about VL@A - that was a great store.

Lots of great grear sold there back in the day.

Alan Grombacher
RKS#5531
RKCC-CMI-010

The sheath is is fine shape and the knife has been resting there securely all these years. It is on top of the shelf in my office next to dad's memorial flag case from his funeral. I am going to see if I have any photos of dad wearing it while in the service. I have one photo 1967 when we went on a fishing trip into Canada.

A lot of history you have there, and a very fine knife to boot. Treasure it dearly.

What a wonderful find and a fantastic family heirloom!

Rob

335 S. Wabash, Chicago is where the CNA Building sits today. Anyone who has seen the the red building in the Chicago Skyline knows where VL@A was and didn't even know it.

I sent a link to this thread to Guy Clark's Agent. His office forwarded it to Guy. I know he will enjoy reading it.