Here's the detail from Col. Moore shaking hands with Gen. Westmoreland. Not much help, but the logo snaps are visible. Also, the hone pouch is noticeably close to the lip of the sheath.

Wally,

So you think the black tape on the handle was a place to keep in case of a quick need? If you enlarge the other pic, it's got tape on it.

It does look like tape around the very butt end of the handle. Maybe for a more secure grip? Maybe to cover an aluminum buttcap too.

When we discussed this piece a few years ago we determined it was light reflection and not tape.

Also, it is not a "C" sheath but a standard model "A" sheath.

...not to mention the fact that it has a "wide throat"!
Best, Capt. Chris

Steve...and others. I ain't no engineer or architech, to be sure, "but" (Oh NO!)...a hone pocket is a minimum of 3 inches, which shows measurements of the sheath are off scale. Who knows? Just sayin'
Best, Capt. Chris

So Cap, if I'm understanding you, the 3" pocket would indicate a 6" blade, and a wide throat does indicate Heiser? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'm still learning here!

Wide throat would be Heiser. I cannot say for sure as to blade length...(Maybe no one can).
Best, Capt. Chris

"Eyeballing" the relative length of the handle versus the blade, the blade appears to be about one inch longer, putting it in the 6-inch range. And the scale that Steve put alongside the two looks to indicate the same.

Nice historical item.

Larry

Thanks, Captain. I measured half a dozen sheath pockets, and all came to 3-1/2 inches. Shown are two of my older ones from the Vietnam period, together with a scale. If any of this is on base, then it would appear that the sheath is too short for a 7-inch blade. Is this any help?