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L014156 PARATROOPER'S GRAVITY KNIFE. (Flieger-Kappmesser)
BACKGROUND: Requests from Fallschirmjäger, (Paratrooper), personnel for a knife that could be utilized with just one hand resulted in the development of the Flieger-Kappmesser, (Flight Utility Knife), in May 1937. The internal blade was activated by an external press lever which relieved pressure on an internal leaf spring, and by pointing the knife downwards, gravity allowed the blade to slide out into the open position. Although officially designated Flieger-Kappmesser, due to the blades gravity action it was commonly referred to as the Schwerkkraftmesser, (Force of Gravity Knife). The first pattern knives had a rigid, fixed handle and if problems were encountered with the internal spring leaf, the sliding gravity action of the blade, or the blade itself, it was rendered useless. This problem was overcome with the development of the second "takedown" pattern which had a removable throat piece and handles, allowing access to the internal components for repair. Of Note: Although originally developed for Paratroopers this knife was eventually issued to all aircrew personnel and was also included in the flight survival equipment.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The roughly, 6" long, first pattern, rigid, fixed handle, knife features nicely grained, natural hardwood grips and tooled, nickel/silver plated, steel fittings. The wooden grips are secured by four, small, flush, flat head rivets. The external fittings consist of a scalloped tipped throat, an activating pressure lever, a spine, a rivetted swivel "D" ring and a fold down Marlin spike. Unfortunately the activating pressure lever has broken away from the knife but is included. The forward section of the handle has what appear to be tape stains presumably to prevent lose of the of the broken activating pressure lever. The nickel/silver plating to the fittings is retained about 80% with small spots of light to moderate surface spotting. The roughly, 3 7/8" long, nickel/silver plated, single edged, drop forged, steel blade shows very heavy sharpening scars which have narrowed the width of the blade considerably. The blade has no visible manufacturer’s marks. The marlin spike is marked with the typical, stamped, Luftwaffe style waffen-amt.
GRADE ** PRICE $215.00
To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail
-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca Or guild@nb.aibn.com
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