Description
WW2 WE Australian Commando Knife made by Whittingslowe Engineering, original 1944-dated leather scabbard made by JW Trathen, Sydney; rare type in great condition, considering the age. NO SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FOR THIS ITEM!
Rare WW2 era fighting knife for the Australian military made by Whittingslowe Engineering (WE logo on ricasso) in Cheltenham, South Australia. Original and equally rare leather scabbard manufactured in 1944 by J.W. Trathen & Co. is included. See the scan of the original circa 1944 Whittingslowe Engineering ad attached (the scan is for reference only; the ad print is not included with the lot). A so-called Australian Commando Knife – this type is pretty hard to find nowadays. The knife is used, but it is in better-than-average condition. This exact type is illustrated on pages 55-56 of the KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W Silvey – a well-established expert an author of many books on the subject of US military edged weapons (see the book’s page scan attached).
This Australian Commando is in great overall condition – no edge nicks or hammer marks on the spine; saber-point high carbon steel blade has not been cleaned; the tip is intact. A few light spots of surface rust on the blade are noted for accuracy (cleanable, if you decide to do so). Whittingslowe Engineering manufacturing stamp WE is sharply struck at ricasso; Australian military “broad arrow” acceptance stamp over letter I is struck on the guard’s underside. Original wood handle grips with 3 iron pins and the extra-wide iron guard; no ding marks or chips on the wood. Wood grips are near-perfect for the type; all parts are tight with no play. This fighting knife is about 11″ / 27.8 cm overall; the blade is about 5-7/8″ / 15 cm long. Original and equally rare 1944-dated leather scabbard was manufactured by 1944 J.W. Trathen & Co. in Sydney, Australia. It’s marked on the back with the company name, date, and G.D. / “broad arrow” arsenal acceptance stamp on the back panel. The leather is a little dry but intact; one small cut on the side of the keeper is noted for accuracy. Almost 80 years after it was made this rare WW2 WE Australian Commando Knife is in 100% serviceable condition still. This type is hard to find in any condition these days, especially with the original scabbard included. Don’t miss your chance to add this rare WW2 era Aussie fighter to your collection!
This rare WW2 WE Australian Commando Knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way; it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; Enfield clips are not included with the knife 😉 I have a few more vintage Australian, American and European folders and fixed-blade knives available for sale – please check out our Collectable Blades section for similar listings.
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FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM
NO SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FOR THIS ITEM! International shipping to other countries will be $44 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list for this item.
