Carlo: The "reproduction" M9-FTs were stamped using the same die as the original 125 trials pieces with the "3-line" marking: M9-FT USMC Lan-Cay. According to HB's report, about two years later the "reproduction" pieces were fabbed up, utilizing the same die (hence they have the identical marking). Subsequently the "3-line" die was modified by grinding off the "M9-FT", leaving only USMC & Lan-Cay. This is the die used in the fifth submission to the USMC, with the addition of the Corps EGA stamped on the opposite side of the ricasso. I had heard one of the reasons the "M9-FT" was removed was because the USMC was no longer interested in the "M9", so the designation was eliminated. Jim Maddox did an excellent write-up on them for Frank Trzaska's U.S. Military Knives & Bayonets Forum:
http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/jim_maddox.htm
From looking @ the three M9-FTs I have, the discernible differences observed on the "Historical Reproductions" are:
1. Grey finish to blade
2. Off-green color to both scabbards (a somewhat grayish, mottled effect).
3. Original M9-FT has a Fastex clip dated in 1998. Repops are dated a year later or more.
4. Referring to #3, a change was incorporated in the web strap attached to the male part
of the Fastex clip, and the backing hangs down to the bottom of the Bianchi
metal belt hook. This seems to still be in effect.
BTW, the "1348" which DeBob mentioned is the form/tag which accompanies items turned in for re-utilization or destruction. Sometimes on sites like Ebay you will see surplus M9s, etc. with the tag still attached.
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