By the way Joe, while inspecting this astro, I noticed a very small number "2" centered under the Randall stamp. Any idea what that would be for? The number font is a different size than the one used for the Merchant Marine Z number on the engraving.
The knife has an engraved name on the other side, so ownership was already established.
Maybe just a mystery...
Also, see the wavy look of the metal under the letters USMMD? Is there a chance this knife at one time could have been plated? I'm not sure, there are indicators that make me think possibly, but the blade illustrates carbon discoloring. Do you see that with plating?
I know it's hard to tell by photos...
Thanks Joe, Sam