Description
WW2 Western V44 survival knife, part of the aircrew “bail-out” kit, original leather scabbard included. Rare American WW-II fighting knife type in great overall condition, considering the age.
Scarce WW2 era US Air Force V44 pilot survival/fighting knife manufactured by Western Cutlery in Bradford, PA during the war; hard-to find original leather scabbard is included. Wester made only a small number of V44 knives under The Bushman model designation; this is the rarest of all V44 types – don’t miss your chance!
The V44 was issued to the USAF and some Commonwealth aircrews as part of their survival kit during the War. These kits were inside of the crew’s seat cushions, just like the one in the reference photograph attached. V44 was an all-purpose knife for fighting and survival in case of a bail-out; some of these large and handy knives had seen extensive combat with the frontline troops. This exact type is illustrated on page 241 of 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 scans in the photos). I also have Case XX V44 survival knife in excellent condition available for sale; please take a look.
This huge knife is about 14-5/8″ / 37 cm overall; the blade is about 9-1/4″ / 23.5 cm long. The edge has been re-sharpened; it is razor-sharp still; the tip is intact; a few light edge nicks are noted for accuracy. The blade hasn’t been cleaned; original light-gray patina throughout. No typical bump marks on the handle, ding marks the spine or the guard – this specimen is in better than the average condition for the type. The blade is stamped WESTERN near ricasso; a simple oval-shaped double-guard is unmarked as intended. Black plastic handle grips with 3 iron rivets are in excellent overall condition. No cracks or chips on the plastic; the pommel is intact with no contact marks; all parts are tight with no play. Original leather scabbard is in great overall condition, considering the age. The leather is a little dry but intact; all rivets, belt hanger and the keeper are intact as well. The scabbard is in 100% serviceable condition even now; very rare this nice.
This rare WW2 Western V44 survival knife / original leather scabbard will be a welcome addition to any collection. This rare WW2 fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, this set is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos. This rare original WW2 Western V44 survival knife was part of the diverse collection of militaria items that I’ve recently purchased spanning from WW1 to Vietnam War. This personal collection contains many interesting items, some are unique, but there is just too much work to list it all at the same time. Please check out my site periodically for new arrivals; I’ll be listing more items in the next few weeks.
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International shipping for this item will be $55 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
