Camillus first manufactured the Mark 2 Fighting/Utility knife in 1943. The first version featured a threaded tang and nut to secure the leather handle and butt cap. Many of the early knives were stamped on the blade. In late 1943 the design was changed to a horizontal pin that bisected the butt cap. Most of these later knives also were stamped on the guard and not on the blade. Several hundred thousand Mark 2's were made during WWII.
This knife was either stamped U.S.N. or U.S.M.C. Either a leather sheath or the hard plastic scabbard were issued with these knives. The blades, guards and butt caps were ussually parkerized (black). A small number of these knives were chrome plated.
Today a Mark 2 knife is valued at $50 to $250 depending on condition. A paper tag was attached to the knives issued with the leather sheath.
These tags are ussually missing, but having one with the knife greatly adds to the value.
Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.
