Description
Original WW2 era model L77 Commando Stiletto fighting knife manufactured during the war by Western Cutlery Co. in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Very attractive blued slim-blade fighting stiletto early production type; comes with original GI-signed leather scabbard. This particular specimen is marked NEW GUINEA on the handle – the GI who carried has probably taken part in that long and bloody WW2 campaign against the entrenched Japanese forces. 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 11-1/8” / 28.3 cm overall; blued blade is about 6-3/4″ / 17.2 cm; about 70% of the original bluing remaining – this type is hard-to-find this nice. This is an early issue with a solid aluminum pommel and metal guard – Western had to switch to Bakelite fittings as the war progressed in order to conserve the much-needed aluminum. Fullered blade has been lightly re-sharpened; it is razor-sharp still; the tip is intact. Stacked leather and colored fiber washers handle; steel guard and aluminum pommel. The part near the pommel is inscribed NEW GUINEA. The handle is solid; all parts are tight with no play; no edge nicks or dings on the spine – scarce this nice. Hard to find original leather scabbard is included. Nicely-preserved scabbard is only slightly used with most of the original black finish on rivets remaining; it is in much-better than average condition for the type. The front is scratched with what looks like GI’s name and service branch: K. R. Cooper / U.S. ARMY HDQS RACA “X”. It probably US Army Headquarters Staff, I’m not so sure about the rest but I was told it’s probably an old abbreviation for an air space control or similar. Original rivets and keeper are present and intact; some minor stitching loss is 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.
