Identified to Captain Thomas Carlisle, AAC, who served in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
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Description
V-44 Kinfolk Bowie Knife & Sheath – ID’d To AAC Captain. This knife has been known as a survival knife, but there is no doubt it was made for serious fighting, and whatever need may arise. The “Kinfolk/ Inc.” marked 9.5 inch blade, has two thin fullers on both sides, and a sharpened clip point that is approximately 4.5 inches long. The condition of the blade is fine with very light cleaning streaks, and faint but proper sharpening to the fighting edge. The grips are black bakelite with lead rivets. The 1/4″ thick brass crossguard is 4.5 inches long with ball finials on either end.
The one piece leather sheath has a simple back side center seam and an applied belt loop held by two brass rivets. Stitching is sound, and leather overall is fine, with a few dark age stains.
On the back of the sheath is the owner’s name and more. Written in 4 lines, “Capt. Thomas Carlisle Air Corps/ 1942-3 AO 483457/ BIAK SOUTH WESTERN PACIFIC / NEW GUINEA.”
I can’t confirm 100% that this Thomas Carlisle is the same man I found in a 1997 obituary from Buffalo, New York. Thomas G. Carlisle began is flying career, flying solo at the age of 15 in 1929. He joined the Navy Reserve, serving from 1932 to 1940. In 1940, he became a flight instructor for the Army Air Corps cadets at Ryan Field, California. After the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Carlisle was assigned to combat duty in the Pacific, and was awarded 6 campaign stars, 2 Air Medals, and a Philippine Liberation Medal with bronze star. After the war, he joined the Air Force Reserves, and held a Command Pilot rating, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
A great knife with history!
