Is there any way to stay in 1st person view all the time in Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines, including during melee combat?

Thanks!!

Yes, you need to copy all files from the Unofficial Patch "Patch_Extras\Player Mods\Free View Weapons" folder into the main directory "vdata/items" folder overwriting all files. You will have no visible melee weapon models or animations though...

There is no "Patch_Extras" folder in the installation on my PC. Attached is a screenshot of the folders I see on my PC.

The extras are not included in the GoG version. You need to download and install Wesp's patch to get them.
Install either basic or plus patch and the extras. Then make the changes. Copy the files to /unofficial_patch/vdata/items and start a new game.
Better make a backup in case you don't like it. then you can restore any time by just replacing the new files with your backup.

Thanks! I'll download it now.

I installed GOG's Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines Unofficial Patch. The folders referenced in the posts above don't exist.

Is it possible to keep this version of the game in first person view all the time?

Get the full patch from ModDB, Nexus Mods or The Patches Scrolls and install it over the GOG version including the Extras. Then you can copy the View Free Weapons over with the caveat that you won't see any melee weapons.

Thanks!