Cattaraugus 225Q

Cattaraugus 225 Quartermaster (see below for finished photo)

Contracted by the U.S. Army and Navy, it was produced from 1942 to 1945 and carried by all branches during WWII and later in Korea. The remaining surplus circulated in the market until the 1960s. This knife is between 78 and 81 years old.

This example belonged to my customer’s uncle, who carried it during the Korean war. More rare, but not unusual, is the left side carry sheath, available for those who holstered a pistol on the right side.

This one required treatment of surface corrosion and pitting (some of the pitting can still be seen), as well as extensive polishing with several different media and techniques. The handle required careful detail work to remove paint adhered to it, as well as several rounds of rehydration and sealing to preserve it. The sheath was also cleaned, treated with emollients designed for leather and leather tack, and polished and sealed as well. With care, it will easily last another 80 years.

As with all projects of this type there are a range of possibilities, from basic protection of a historic piece, to recovery and preservation like this one. Have something interesting? Let me know!

The Cattaraugus 225 Quartermaster. Produced from 1942 to 1945, it would be carried by all branches of the U.S. military for many years.