Original WWII U.S. Army M-1938 Barbed Wire Cutter set. This unissued "surplus time capsule" combination features pristine markings on both components and includes the rare factory paper wrapper.
What is Included in This Lot:
1. The M-1938 Cutter: Manufactured by the famous H.K. Porter, Inc. of Everett, Massachusetts. The jaw face is deeply and cleanly stamped "U.S." and "HKP 1944". The factory black baked-enamel finish on the insulated handles is 100% complete with no chips, cracks, or sticky degradation. The cutting edges are completely free of nicks or wear.
2. The Original Paper Wrapper: The original heavy brown kraft paper factory sleeve reads: "1 M-1938 Barbed Wire Cutter, U. S. Army / Made by H. K. PORTER, Inc., Everett 49, Mass., U. S. A." It shows minor storage tears from where the cutter jaws exit, but remains largely intact and remarkably crisp.
3. The M-1938 Pouch: A spectacular early-war variation in pristine light OD/Khaki canvas, manufactured by J.S. & S. Co. and clearly stamped 1942. The front features a bold "U.S." stamp. The reverse features an immaculate lift-the-dot closure strap and standard wire belt hooks meant to fix directly onto an M1923 cartridge belt or pistol web belt.
Condition:
Unissued, pristine New Old Stock (NOS) condition. The canvas is completely free of stains, sun fading, or fraying. All snaps and hardware function flawlessly with rich original finishes. The cutter functions tightly like it just rolled off the assembly line. Truly an archive-quality setup.