M.d.-u.s.n.

[donald foster]

i would appreciate any information on this pocket knife brown handles has single large blade awl can opener and screwdriver. thanks

 

[rev_jch]

is the large blade a sheepsfoot?

 

[CAMCO]

Camillus made a 4 blade camp knife with the "M.D.-U.S.N." shield and 4 line tang stamp during WWII. The specifications from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery required a "Boy Scout" type knife-Spec. #41-J-001a (dated 4/1/41) with 4 blades, bone stag handles, shield, spear blade, can-opener, screwdriver, punch and nickel silver clevis. The early knives had brass linings which were changed to steel as brass was in short supply as the war progressed. During 1942-3 Camillus was awarded three contracts for quantities of 3,600, 14,400 and 14,400. In 1944 Camillus made 48,000 of this model.
I located the original WWII records for this knife. If you e-mail me your postal mailing address I will send you a copy.

Tom Williams
Camillus Cutlery Co.