Description
This is a rare 1st production pattern of the classic British military Type D survival/fighting knife manufactured by several makers for the British Royal Air Force in the 1960th – early 1970th. This particular specimen was manufactured by the famous John Nowill & Sons in Sheffield, England – the blade is sharply stamped with the company logo and the “broad arrow” acceptance stamp on one side. The “Type D” was designed after WW2 for the use by the British Para and later adapted as an official “survival knife” by several NATO members. This exact type is illustrated on pages 101-102 of the excellent reference book BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH MILITARY KNIVES by Ron Flook (see the book’s pages scans attached). This scarce 1st pattern specimen is in rare unused condition AND it includes a hard-to-find original leather scabbard. The first production series had famously flimsy leather scabbards that just didn’t stand-up to the real-life challenges. That’s why most of these early Type D knives are usually sold alone, without a scabbard.
The heavy-duty blued blade has a distinctive “1st pattern” flat grind; original factory edge is razor-sharp; the tip is intact. This is a monster of a knife; it is about 11-1/2″ / 31.7 cm overall; the blade is about 7-1/4″ /18.5 cm long. Solid full-tang construction; thick hardwood handle scales with 2 iron pins and iron double guard; all parts are tight with no play. Ricasso is marked 27C (RAF survival equipment item number) / faint number 2360 (RAF stores inventory number) and “broad arrow” British military inspection mark. Original brown scabbard is in excellent shape for the type – all original stitching and rivers, the keeper is intact; the leather is soft and supple still. Don’t miss your chance to add this original Vietnam War era Type D Survival Knife to your collection!
This original Vietnam War era Type D Survival Knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos. I have a few vintage Sheffield-made knives, as well as WW2 era British combat knives and bayonets, scarce American and German WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives available for sale – please take a look in the store’s Militaria section.
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USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. WILL BE $15.75 FOR THIS ITEM
International shipping for this item will be $55 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
