Shown on the left is a pair of Model 1910 wire cutters with a pouch dated 1918. The metal jaws are marked “U.S.”, and “5000-V” is molded into the rubber handle. These cutters were dual-purpose tools, featuring a wire-cutting slot as well as serrated jaws that allowed them to be used as pliers.
On the right is a pair of M-1938 wire cutters, stamped “U.S., HKP, 1944.” Unlike the Model 1910 cutters, the M-1938 functioned solely as wire cutters. Accompanying them are two pouches: a light olive drab pouch dated 1942 on the left and a dark olive drab pouch dated 1944 on the right.
Shown on the left is an undated USM pouch designed for the standard M-1938 wire cutters, used during the early years of World War II.
The cutters on the far right are stamped “USMC 1944.” The purpose of their enlarged head is uncertain, though it may have been intended to provide additional strength. The cutting blade is sharpened along only half of its length, with the remaining portion being serrated.
The pouch to the left of these cutters is dated 1944, while the pouch on the right is British-manufactured and dated 1945
