Are these knives trash or treasure?

[veggieguy]

Ended up with these two knives as part of a box lot of Native American items. They were the only weapons in the lot, and I'm not convinced they really belonged there.  They are in really rough shape, with the handles literally disintegrating.  I know nothing about knives, so before I decide they are trash, I thought I would see what the forum might have to say.

Both knives are about 12" long, from tip to end of handle.

Thanks!

[cogar]

I believe the one on the left is a military bayonet.

Like so ......

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-76213849/stock-photo-old-ww-military-bayonet-knife-isolated-on-white.html

[icedgold10]

They are not trash but the condition of the handles will lower the value.

[Ipcress]

The multi coloured hilt one looks like a Japanese short sword / dagger i saw a few years ago.

Even in that condition you should be able to see marks on or near the crossguard, usually on the ricasso. Japanese bayonets often have a cannon ball mark on them.

[Rauville]

The larger one (multi colored) would be a "Theater Knife". Those were fighting knives either customized or entirely made by soldiers, sailors, and marines during the war. Using whatever materials were at hand, hundreds of different patterns and designs were created. I have one that my Dad made while aboard ship in the Pacific during WWII.
The other one looks like possibly a shortened bayonet which could fall under the same definition.

http://classicwarblades.auctivacommerce.com/WW-II-Theater-Knives-C36938.aspx

(PS: I was able to find a photo of the one my Dad made in 1943.)
 

[Ipcress]

Black one looks like an M4 bayonet for the Carbine, with the thinner parts of the grip worn away.

[veggieguy]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone.  The one on the left certainly does look like the bayonet pics you posted.  The other does bear a resemblance to some of those theater knives you linked to, Rauville.  Beautiful pic of your Dad's knife! That must be a nice family treasure.

By the way, I searched again and could find no markings on either knife.

So I'm glad to hear that somebody may still want them, even in their current condition.  Any suggestions on how best to sell them? Just put them on eBay with a low opening bid and see what happens?

[Ipcress]

Price is going to be minimal at best in that condition. Best trying a military forum and reduce costs as much as possible. Little point paying listing fees and commission

[veggieguy]

Good point on the commissions. I know they won't be money makers, but I'd rather see them live on with somebody that will appreciate them.  They were important to somebody once, with lives likely depending on them.

[mart]

What kind of native artifacts did they come with ??  The Ex and I used to surface hunt for arrowheads and such,, we always carried a knife similar to those and a small brush !! Lightweight, easy to carry, because we often had to dig around/under an item before it could be removed from the soil !!

[veggieguy]

The rest of the box was mostly art.  A few hand carved wooden items, sand paintings, an Alaskan mask, and a few others. Strangely, there was also an antique souvenir container of sand from Yellowstone park (ca 1908).  That last one paid for the whole lot many times over.

[mart]

Sounds like you did OK with the lot !! Interesting anyway !!