RARE**WW2 Era MK 1 British Army In India /Chindit Paratroopers Fighting Knife & Scabbard With Period Leather Frog. Knives

**RARE**WW2 Era MK 1 British Army In India /Chindit Paratroopers Fighting Knife & Scabbard With Period Leather Frog. Sn 20576 - 20576

These wood gripped combat knives have over the years gained the designation of paratrooper knives but it is not known if they were specifically made for issue to such troops. Several variations are known, all of which have double edged blades with central fuller, square shank ricasso, oval cross guard and wood grips cut with 3 grooves and secured by 2 steel rivets (see page 203 and plates 490 & 491 of Ron Flook’s book British & Commonwealth Military Knives where knives similar to ours with scabbards similar to ours are illustrated, also the front cover of his book where a similar knife to ours is illustrated (images from the author’s book are reproduced in our images). This is an original WW2 British Army In India / Chindit Paratroopers fighting knife. The knife has the correct double edged blade (6 ½” length, 10 ½” overall) with central fuller, square shank ricasso, oval brass cross guard and wood grips cut with 3 grooves and secured by 2 steel rivets. The blade is fitted with original leather hilt washer. Ron Flook describes these knives as being made by various companies including ‘MIL- Metal Industries Ltd & ATD- Army Traders Dhuran’ (see page 204 of his book). The blade has staining & patina consistent with age and service use and there are no visible date or maker marks. This example is complete with its original leather scabbard with steel throat mount which has a frog locket and external steel chape. The leather has a stitched rear seam. The scabbard is fitted with an original period leather frog which has a single belt loop. The rear of the belt loop has a period field repair which can be seen in the images. All leather & stitching of the scabbard and frog are supple, clean & intact. The price for this rare fighting knife includes UK delivery. Sn 20576 (fs box)

£975