Description
Original WW2 era model L77 Commando Stiletto fighting knife manufactured during the war by Western Cutlery Co. in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Very attractive slim-blade fighting stiletto – early production type with aluminum pommel and bronze guard – later issue had Bakelite fittings to conserve strategic metals needed for the war effort. This fine stiletto comes with the original-issue leather scabbard which has a field-added leather pocket with WW2 era NORTON honing stone – a nice touch. Slim, light, and practical, the L77 stiletto dagger was popular with the troops and it became a desirable sidearm used in virtually every theater of the war. Attached is the photo of some fearsome-looking GI armed with the 45-cal. M1911 in one hand and the unmistakable L77 commando knife clutched in his teeth (original photo is not included with the knife). This exact type is illustrated on page 236 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 scan attached).
This fighting stiletto is about 11-1/4” / 28.3 cm overall; the blade is about 6-7/8″ / 17.5 cm. Classic mid-war production issue with aluminum pommel and iron guard – as the war progressed, Western had to switch first to iron guards, than to to entirely all Bakelite fittings in order to conserve the much-needed aluminum and bronze. Bright-finish fullered blade has been gently re-sharpened; it is razor-sharp still; the tip is intact. Stacked leather and colored fiber washers handle; steel guard and aluminum pommel. The handle is solid; all parts are tight with no play; no edge nicks or dings on the spine – scarce this nice. A few light scratches on the pommel are noted for accuracy. Hard to find original leather scabbard is included. The scabbard is only slightly used; it is in much-better than average condition for the type. Original rivets and keeper are present and intact; some minor stitching loss and a small cut at the throat are noted for accuracy; the leather is soft and supple still – this type is rare this nice.
This attractive American WW2 Western L77 Commando fighting knife with original leather scabbard is in very much serviceable condition; with proper care this old timer will last you another 80 years 😉 This original WW2 Western L77 Commando 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 knife 😉 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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International shipping via USPS International Priority Mail for this item will be $39.95 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.