M1904 Hospital Corps Knife

The M1904 Hospital Corps Knife was designed for use by the Army Medical Corps.  Over 40,000 were made at the Springfield Armory between 1904 and 1914.  The serial numbers started with number 237.  The blade is 12 in. long.  The guard is brass.  The scabbard is leather with a brass throat and the belt loop is either leather or blued steel. 

We have 3 specimens of this knife.  The first is marked on the obverse side "U.S." "6310" in 2 lines, and "SA" flaming bomb "1908" in 3 lines on the reverse side.  The handle is marked on the reverse side "HC 1 15".  The scabbard has a leather belt loop that is marked on the back "ARSENAL" "1908" "T.C.C." in 3 lines. 

The second is marked on the obverse side "US" "15019" in 2 lines, and "SA" flaming bomb "1910" in 3 lines on the reverse side.  The scabbard has a steel belt loop.  The back of the scabbard is marked "ROCK ISLAND" "ARSENAL" "1910." "H.E.K." in 4 lines. 

The third specimen is marked on the obverse side ""US" "18776" in 2 lines, and "SA" flaming bomb "1911" in 3 lines on the reverse side.  The scabbard has a steel belt loop.  The back of the scabbard is marked "ROCK ISLAND" "ARSENAL" "1911." "H.E.K." in 4 lines.