Revised: 3/9/2018

Please Note: There was a typographical error. The estimate should be $1,500-$2,500.

RARE WWII ERA USN DIVER’S KNIFE COMMEMORATING THE GREATEST SUBMARINE RESCUE IN AMERICAN HISTORY OF “DIVER 1ST CLASS F.H. O’KEEFE, USN”.

Rare Navy divers knife made by “MFD. BY BATTERYLESS TEL. EQUIP. CO. INC. / PITTSBURGH, PA.” 6-15/16″ sturdy, double edged blade with saw teeth on top. Screw-in solid brass sheath inscribed “SQUALUS SALVAGE UNIT/ MAY 23, 1939 /TO / F. H. O’KEEFE, COX..USN / DIVER FIRST CLASS”. The rescue of the USS Squalus in 250 feet of water was an unprecedented Navy rescue that would result in four Congressional Medals of Honor, 46 Navy Crosses and a Distinguished Service Medal. Since 1921, almost 1,000 men had died in submarine accidents; no rescue attempt had ever succeeded until this operation. The provenance on line should be read of the heroic action involving this ship. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Fine overall. Appears unused. Brass sheath retaining much of its orig burnished bright finish with freckling. 53094-161 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2380

Click here to view provenance

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2018

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2380	$2,070.00	Revised: 3/9/2018 Please Note: There was a typographical error. The estimate should be $1,500-$2,500. RARE WWII ERA USN DIVER’S KNIFE COMMEMORATING THE GREATEST SUBMARINE RESCUE IN AMERICAN HISTORY OF “DIVER 1ST CLASS F.H. O’KEEFE, USN”. Rare Navy divers knife made by “MFD. BY BATTERYLESS TEL. EQUIP. CO. INC. / PITTSBURGH, PA.” 6-15/16″ sturdy, double edged blade with saw teeth on top. Screw-in solid brass sheath inscribed “SQUALUS SALVAGE UNIT/ MAY 23, 1939 /TO / F. H. O’KEEFE, COX..USN / DIVER FIRST CLASS”. The rescue of the USS Squalus in 250 feet of water was an unprecedented Navy rescue that would result in four Congressional Medals of Honor, 46 Navy Crosses and a Distinguished Service Medal. Since 1921, almost 1,000 men had died in submarine accidents; no rescue attempt had ever succeeded until this operation. The provenance on line should be read of the heroic action involving this ship. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Fine overall. Appears unused. Brass sheath retaining much of its orig burnished bright finish with freckling. 53094-161 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2380 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Spring 2018 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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RARE WWII ERA USN DIVER’S KNIFE COMMEMORATING THE GREATEST SUBMARINE RESCUE IN AMERICAN HISTORY OF “DIVER 1ST CLASS F.H. O’KEEFE, USN”.