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L02850 PARATROOPER'S GRAVITY KNIFE. (Flieger-Kappmesser) 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. Second pattern, "takedown" knife with natural hardwood grips secured by four small flat head rivets and blued steel fittings. The hardwood grips shows staining from the securing rivets and has numerous small dings and dents. The external fittings consist of a removable scalloped tipped throat with push button lock, activating pressure lever, spine, riveted swivel "D" ring and fold down Marlin spike. Only remnants of the original bluing remains and all the steel fittings have mostly reverted to the flat matte grey of the base metal with light to moderate surface spotting. The knife has a 4" long, unmarked, drop forged steel, single edged blade. The blade shows minor sharpening scars and light to moderate surface spotting. The marlin spike is well marked with deeply stamped Luftwaffe style waffen-amt and an RB number. Of Note: The RB numbers, Reichsbetriebnummer, (National factory code numbers), were introduced in late 1942 and were intended to replace the manufacturers marks on garments and equipment to conceal the manufactures name and location from the allies, to prevent bombing raids on German industrial factories. The gravity action of the blade still functions but is slightly "sticky". Internal oiling would probably eliminated the "stickiness" of the blade. The removable scalloped tipped throat has an impressed arrow which is pointed at the locking push button. When depressed the locking push button allows the throat piece to be removed permitting access to the internal components of the knife for ease of repair. The throat and blade have deeply stamped matching serial numbers, "439". 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.
GRADE *** PRICE $575.00