Designed by a committee of experienced men led by then-Colonel Robert Frederick, the 1st Special Service Force's commanding officer, the dagger that would become the V-42 Stiletto (or "Force Knife" to its users) was intended to represent the state of the art in close quarters battle. The signature weapon of the 1st SSF, a limited number landed in U.S. Navy hands, in particular a batch issued to the U.S.S. Omaha. This particular example is inscribed on the ricasso "C. Wetsell/805-89-07/U.S.N.". The consignor suggests that Wetsell was Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Charles L. Wetsell of the U.S.S. General J.R. Brooke, a Navy transport heavily involved with transporting soldiers and marines across both the Atlantic and Pacific, and suggests that Brooke may have transported the 1st SSF to Italy. The stiletto is 12 3/8" overall, with a 7 1/4 inch double edged hollow ground blade, bearing the signature thumb panel and "Case" opposite the inscription. A coat of heavy enamel paint has been applied to the guard. The hilt is fitted with a grooved leather washer grip, padded guard, and skull crusher pommel. Includes a replacement short M6 pattern sheath, with "C.M.G." hand marked on the back and reinforcement plates in the tip region.

Excellent knife, with 95% plus of the original blue finish, showing some mild handling marks and a few areas of brown patina. Mild wear/flaking is visible on the guard, with some scuffs and stains on the otherwise fine leather.