SOLD - Minty WW2 Luftwaffe Gravity Knife

Description

8/10/24 - This a minty gravity knife issued to Luftwaffe paratroopers during WW2. The blade is marked on the front with "Rostfrei", meaning made with "rust free" stainless steel, as well maker stamped with "Weyersberg Solingen". Properly serialized and matching on the release lever and side plate with the number "9". The spike base has the correct "Eagle 5" Luftwaffe proof stamp. The blade shows very little wear, and much of the original factory crossgrain remains visible. It does have signs of sharpening one one side, but this is minor and hasn't altered the blade profile. A couple very minor spots of oxidation at the hilt below the actual blade. Beautiful metal at the top of the handle, though there is evidence of light buffing and a couple hints of oxidation and a couple tiny dings. The grip panels are in excellent overall condition, with smooth, unblemished wood and perfectly flush and secure rivets. Mechanical operation is flawless, with smooth extension and retraction using release lever. Blade is vertically and horizontally secure in its locked state. However, perpendicular to the hilt there is very slight play when the blade is fully locked. Spike functions well, but the metal has a tiny bend that causes it to not rest perfectly flush with the side plate. These were designed primarily for cutting through a Luftwaffe air crew members harness in the event of a tangled parachute, requiring them to be razor sharp and easily accessible. To that end, paratrooper uniforms contained a hidden compartment for speedy and convenient blade removal, both for general use and more crucially, in emergencies. The spike was used to untie knots while packing the parachutes. These remarkable blades were sharp and strong enough to cut through the aluminum hull of the aircraft after a crash landing.