Inherited Randall

B

BradB

Joined
Aug 21, 2008
Messages
107
I retired after 20+ years in the active Army in 2008. My collecting and my military career were greatly inspired by my late Uncle Allan. When he died a few years ago, I received the knife pictured in a paper sack with cleaning rods, gun rags, miscellaneous gun parts and other "stuff" from his former (fairly large) collection of guns and knives. At first glance, I thought it was a Pakistani "knock off" bowie. When I pulled it out, I realized I was DEEPLY mistaken and that it was the Randall he purchased while actively petitioning his assignments branch in the USMC Reserve to deploy him on a 12-month individual augmentation tour to Vietnam. At the time (late 60s), he was the commander of the Marine Reserve Rifle Company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. At the end of the day, the Corps told him they appreciated his enthusiasm, but that he was too old at 35 to cut it in the field as an active rifle company commander in the combat zone. The average age of USMC Captains in Vietnam at that point was 25-26. I have many fond memories of my Uncle, and the reverence he had towards this knife. It had a special place in his den. Most of his collection ended up on consignment in a local shop in Fort Wayne.
I have wiped off the verdigris on the sheath rivets with Q-tips, and oiled the entire metal surface with Balistol. While he carried it for a brief period in his USMCR career, retiring as a Lt. Col., it never saw extended use. It is NOT for sale, but any details forum members can provide are appreciated. The blade is actually a nice even tone without horribly noticeable swirls... the oil and lighting are making it appear patina'ed and pretty scratched. It isn't. Just some honest use. There is some VERY light freckling (more like stains) on the left front of the blade from storage in the sheath (I store them apart).

https://plus.google.com/photos/106169416162116303779/albums/5924777380891093985
 
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Brad...
You have a Randall Made Model 14 " ATTACK " model..with a 7.5" Carbon Steel Blade. It is a highly collectible Randall
because of some unique features...it look's to have a 'Brown' micarta handle, and an un-lined thong hole. A family Heirloom
for sure !
 
Thank-you for the reply. Handle is brown micarta, thong hole is unlined. As I understand, this immediatelyd followed tenite? Is there a good online reference somewhere? I took it to a local collector once for his thoughts; he also liked the scabbard and original stone. I was offered a large chunk of change for it. Like I said though, not for sale at any point.
 
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