Original Chinese WWII U.S. Marine Corps Embassy Guard Presentation Dagger – 1938 – 1941 – Only 100 Ever Made Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. These daggers are exceedingly rare, with approximately 100 ever known to have been produced.

These daggers were made in China for a company of U.S. Marines when they were assigned as U.S. Embassy Guards in Shanghai, China circa 1938-1941. Research indicates that only 100 or so were ever made. The dagger measures 15 1/2 inches overall, with a 10 3/4 inch blade. There are two known variations of these daggers, with this example being the second, with the U.S.M.C. Eagle Globe Anchor being on the scabbard, which is missing on this example.

In May 1941 Admiral Glassford of YANGPAT and Consul General in Shanghai, Frank B. Lockhart, had concerns for Americans in China due to the threat posed by Japan. They sent a recommendation to Secretary of State Hull for withdrawal of Marines from China. Apparently U.S. Ambassador Clarence Gauss wanted the Marines to stay, but on 10 November Washington ordered the Marines out of China. On 27-28 November the 4th Marines departed from Shanghai and headed for the Philippines, where they would fight the Japanese until their May 1942 surrender. Then followed the Bataan Death March and imprisonment. The survival rate of these daggers would have to be considered low.

The design of the dagger is very interesting, and quite attractive. There are dragons motifs embossed onto the grips. The Pommel has the U.S. Flag crossed with the Chinese Nationalist flag, with the base of the pommel being the Chinese Sun. The Marine EGA was seen on both sides of the scabbard throat, but this example is missing its scabbard. The cross guard is a simple design, with a small ball at each end.

Various parts of the decorations were originally decorated with blue and red enamel, almost all of which has unfortunately faded away. The blade is double edged, with a small fuller down the center on each side. The grip is clear celluloid covered wire-wrapped Wood.

An extremely scarce Marine Corps dagger, only one of 100 that were ever made. Comes ready for further research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 1/8″
Blade Style: Double Edge Spear Point.
Overall length: 14“
Crossguard: 2 1/4”