Description
Original WW-2 era “homefront type” American fighting dagger expertly converted from a commercial chef’s knife; original GI-signed leather scabbard is included. Unmarked blade was probably a large butcher/chef’s knife that was re-shaped into a dual-edge fighting dagger; a pre-fabricated simple guard was made for a piece of sheet metal simple screwed to the tom pf the handle. Early in the war a lot of civilian knife makers and small private enterprises were making fighting knives of all sorts in order to satisfy the demand for the much-needed edged weapons for the American servicemen. Since high-quality steel, bronze and brass were conserved for the war effort, most of the “homefront knives” were made from whatever materials were still available. This is scarce example of a “non-regulation” US WW-2 era fighting knife of this type with a rare “long” blade – a great find. This type is illustrated on page 185 of KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W Silvey – a well-established expert and the author of a number of books on the subject of the US military edged weapons (see book’s page scans attached).
These simple am inexpensive “private purchase” fighting knives were popular with the troops during the war and most of these were used as intended. Very few specimens survived the war in presentable condition. This is an unusually well-made example with well-defined form and clean lines. This knife is in practically unused condition; dual-edged blade is very sharp still; the tip is intact; no edge nicks or dings on the pommel. Checkered hardwood handle scales with brass pins and a steel guard; bolster seem to be made of a soft alloy cast onto the handle. The handle is tight; all parts are tight with no play. The knife is about 12-3/4″ / 32.5 cm from the tip to the lower tang; the blade is about 8″ / 20.3 cm. Original GI-signed leather sheath is in excellent overall condition, considering the age; the leather is still soft and supple; all stitching is intact. The back is signed Sgt. Joe R. Howell / A.S.N. 33065583 / Jan, 45 L.C.C. This scarce WW2 American home front fighting knife is in 100% serviceable condition still; you will not be disapointed.
This original WW2 American home front fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the lot 😉 I have a few more American, German, British, Italian, and French fighting knives, as well as some scarce WW2 and WW1 daggers, trench knives and bayonets available for sale – please take a look in the Militaria section.
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